Article October 14, 2013 ISSUE

Getting and giving

Dixon Matlock Butler

People came to Jesus for healing, for food, and for the good news—the words of the kingdom of heaven. They, including the disciples, came to get. But then, following Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, the disciples changed from getters to givers. Jesus had prepared his followers for this change and had sent the 12 and the 70 out into the country to heal (see Luke 9:1–6, Luke 10:1). Before the crucifixion, their approach had been receiving from the Master. Following Jesus’ ascension, healing, teaching, and preaching became the apostles’ activity—they were called upon to give.

Jesus discussed the distinction between getting and giving on several occasions. He gave his apostles this assignment: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). And he admonished them elsewhere: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).