J16 The Twelve Disciples Poem by Simple Simon

'Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me.
Whoever welcomes me,
Welcomes the One, who sent me,
This is the truth, believe me.'

Jesus began like this,
While giving his advice
To his disciples twelve,
On how they ought to serve?

'Go and preach to the people-
The lost sheep of Israel,
Who live in misery there,
Saying, the Kingdom is near.'

'Heal whosoever is sick,
The dead alive, bring back,
Wherever demons are,
Drive them away afar.'

'Do not carry gold, silver,
Nor a single copper,
Nor even an extra shirt,
Shoes, stick, when you go out.'

'It’s God, who leads,
So, keep within your needs.
Go to those homes only,
Which welcome you warmly.'

'When they receive you,
Say, 'Peace be with you! '
Peace will ever remain
In such friendly domain.'

'I'm sending you out,
With none to protect,
Like sheep before wolves
Alone, all by yourselves.'

'You must be cautious
Like dreadful snakes;
But as doves, be gentle,
When you meet people.'

'Watch, you could face arrest.
You'll be taken to court.
They may even whip you.
Be bold, as God is with you.'

'Say what you want to say.
Mock at you, they may.
Only thro' your mouth,
God will speak the truth.'

'No pupil is greater
Than his learned teacher.
No slave is greater
Than his beloved master.'

'A pupil or a slave,
If he wants to thrive
Hard, he should strive
Like bees in bee-hive.'

'This body, one may kill,
But, surely not its soul,
Yet, God can destroy both.
So, fear God for His wrath.'

'If anyone accepts me,
He belongs to me.
Before my Father in heaven
I'll plead mercy for his sin.'

'Whoever tries to gain,
His life, he'll lose in vain.
For my sake, whoever dies,
Heaven they'll gain, as its price.'

Like this. Jesus instructed them,
In words most clear and firm.
He quoted several examples
To convince all his disciples.