The Twelve Are Sent: Are You Ready to Be Sent?

Introduction

One of the most profound moments in the ministry of the Messiah was when He chose twelve men and sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom. This act was not only historical; it was prophetic. It revealed the heart of God in raising ordinary people, equipping them with His power, and sending them to impact the world. Today, the same call still resounds: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” (Isaiah 6:8). The question is, are you ready to be sent?

The Call of the Twelve

The Gospel according to Matthew records:

“And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.” (Matthew 10:1–4, NKJV)

Notice that these were not men of high rank, wealth, or influence. They were fishermen, tax collectors, zealots—ordinary men whom the Messiah transformed into extraordinary vessels. Their readiness did not come from their background but from their obedience to follow when they were called.

The Authority of the Sent Ones

Being sent is not about human talent or strength but divine empowerment. When the Messiah called the twelve, He gave them authority. Authority is vital because the mission is spiritual warfare.

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)

This shows us that being sent is not about mere words but about walking in spiritual authority. The twelve were commissioned with authority to cast out demons, heal the sick, and proclaim the Kingdom of God. Today, every believer who is sent is equipped with the same Spirit that raised the Messiah from the dead (Romans 8:11).

The Message of the Sent Ones

The Messiah was clear about the message of the twelve:

“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 10:7)

The message was not about self-promotion, personal opinions, or worldly wisdom. It was centered on the Kingdom of God. Those who are sent must remember: we are not sent to promote ourselves but to proclaim the reign of God, calling people to repentance, faith, and obedience.

Even today, the message remains unchanged: the Kingdom of God has come near. Repent, believe, and follow the King.

The Cost of Being Sent

The call to be sent is glorious, but it also comes with a cost. The Messiah warned His disciples:

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)

He made it clear that rejection, persecution, and hardship would be part of their journey. In fact, He told them they would be brought before rulers and persecuted for His name’s sake (Matthew 10:17–22).

To be sent means to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). It means placing obedience above comfort, and mission above personal gain. The twelve were willing to lay down their lives for the Kingdom. The question remains: are you ready to pay the price of being sent?

The Urgency of the Mission

The harvest is great, but the laborers are few. The Messiah Himself declared:

“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37–38)

The world is crying out for truth, healing, and hope. Darkness covers nations, but the light of God shines through those who are sent. The urgency is not tomorrow—it is today. Delaying obedience can mean lost opportunities and souls unreached.

Just as the twelve were urgently sent out, so also the call is upon us to go into neighborhoods, workplaces, nations, and online platforms with the message of the Kingdom.

Are You Ready to Be Sent?

The question is not whether God is still sending—He is. The question is whether you are ready.

Are you willing to be available?
God is not looking for perfect people but for available hearts. Isaiah responded, “Here am I! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8).
Are you willing to be equipped?
The twelve spent time with the Messiah before they were sent. Preparation matters. You must be willing to grow in the Word, prayer, and spiritual maturity.
Are you willing to endure hardship?
Being sent means facing trials. Paul encouraged Timothy: “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus the Messiah.” (2 Timothy 2:3).
Are you willing to go wherever God leads?
Sometimes the call will lead you to uncomfortable places. But obedience brings fruit.

Lessons From the Twelve

Looking at the lives of the twelve apostles teaches us valuable lessons:

Peter: Though he denied the Messiah, he was restored and became a bold preacher (Acts 2:14). Your failures do not disqualify you from being sent.
John: Known as the beloved disciple, he revealed the depth of love and truth. Being sent requires love as the foundation.
Matthew: Once a tax collector, he became a Gospel writer. Your past cannot limit God’s purpose in your life.
Thomas: Even with his doubts, he was used by God to take the message as far as India. God can use your weaknesses for His glory.
James, the son of Zebedee: He was the first apostle to be martyred. Being sent requires courage, even unto death.

Each of the twelve reminds us that God can use anyone willing to say yes.

The Great Commission Extends to You

Before His ascension, the Messiah expanded the mission beyond the twelve:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

This command was not limited to the first apostles—it extends to all who follow Him. Every believer is called to be a witness. Whether in preaching, teaching, serving, giving, or interceding, you are sent into your sphere of influence.

Encouragement for the Sent Ones

Being sent can feel overwhelming, but remember these promises:

“Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

You are never sent alone. The One who sends also sustains.

Conclusion

The story of the twelve reminds us that God delights in sending ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. They were not chosen because of their strength but because of their willingness. Today, the same invitation stands before you.

The Kingdom needs laborers. The world needs witnesses. The harvest is ready. The only question is: are you ready to be sent?

Let us answer with boldness, humility, and obedience: “Here am I! Send me.”