1. Jesus called his twelve apostles together. He gave them power to heal sicknesses and power to force demons out of people.
2. He sent them to tell about God’s kingdom and to heal the sick.
3. He said to them, “When you travel, don’t take a walking stick. Also, don’t carry a bag, food, or money. Take for your trip only the clothes you are wearing.
4. When you go into a house, stay there until it is time to leave.
5. If the people in the town will not welcome you, go outside the town and shake the dust off your feet as a warning to them.”
6. So the apostles went out. They traveled through all the towns. They told the Good News and healed people everywhere.
7. Herod the ruler heard about all these things that were happening. He was confused because some people said, “John the Baptizer has risen from death.”
8. Others said, “Elijah has come to us.” And some others said, “One of the prophets from long ago has risen from death.”
9. Herod said, “I cut off John’s head. So who is this man I hear these things about?” Herod continued trying to see Jesus.
10. When the apostles came back, they told Jesus what they had done on their trip. Then he took them away to a town called Bethsaida. There, he and his apostles could be alone together.
11. But the people learned where Jesus went and followed him. He welcomed them and talked with them about God’s kingdom. He healed the people who were sick.