The Twelve Carry Jesus’ Authority and Herod Asks Who He Is

Jesus gives the Twelve power and authority over demons and diseases and sends them to preach the kingdom of God and heal. The mission extends Jesus’ own pattern: proclamation and enacted restoration travel together. Herod’s question—“Who is this?”—keeps identity at the center even as Jesus’ authority is shared with his representatives.

Where this fits in the story: the twelve-person mission echoes the symbolic restoration of Israel around Jesus. Authority is delegated, not self-generated; the disciples act because Jesus sends and equips them.