Empower

When Christ appointed the twelve, (Mark 3:14,15, Mark 6:7, Mat 10:1 , Luke 9:1) he did not dissolve or provide any random identity but He gave them His very own; it was an identity on par with Himself. He authorized them with tasks that He Himself had done. They were not given tasks to fulfil responsibilities to merely ‘set the stage’ for Jesus the preacher and the miracle worker. They, in fact represented Him. "Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me." (Mat. 10:40; John 13:20).

The theme of this newfound identity in Christ, pervades through the gospels and the epistles. In John we read, that Christ calls them His friends. “I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you”. John15:15.

In Ephesians, Paul emphasizes several truths about the identity of Christ’s followers. Here are a few: Christ’s followers are adopted sons, fellow citizens, members of His household, heirs, members of one body, and sharers together.

He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will. Eph. 1:5

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household, Eph. 2:19

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Eph 3:6

There are several other scriptures which emphasize the identity and significance of Christ’s followers. Christ’s followers are therefore not to consider themselves as slaves who are set free and designated to serve or stand at the threshold of a house to receive ‘baksheesh’ (meaning tips, bribes, leftovers, charitable giving), they are however to view themselves as adopted sons and daughters, heirs and friends who are entitled to feast at the table