Jesus continued traveling around healing and preaching to the people. He had compassion for the people who were like sheep without a shepherd. The religious leaders of that day were not very good shepherds. They were selfish and cared only for themselves. They neglected the flock (people). Jesus came to be a caring shepherd for people in desperate need. The people were helpless and were being harassed. They were like sheep without a shepherd. They were like a field full of grain ready for the harvest. Jesus told His disciple to pray for workers. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." - Matt. 9:37-38.
Matthew 10:5-15 – The Mission
Jesus called 12 disciples. He chose them individually. These were regular men with different personalities from different backgrounds and life experiences. He not only called them, but gave them power to do what He called them to do. He gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal disease and sickness. When God calls people, He also equips them.
Matthew called them apostles. Apostle literally means one who is sent out. An apostle is someone who is sent to do a job by his master. Their job was to tell others about Jesus. For their first mission He gave them instructions to not go to the Samaritans or the Gentiles, but to go to the lost people of Israel. The gospel would go to both the Samaritans and the Gentiles later. God's intention was to go to all the world, but it must begin with Israel. The Bible tells us that these apostles and their work will be remembered through eternity (Revelation 21:14).
They were to preach "the kingdom of heaven is near", heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who had leprosy, and drive out demons. He told them, "Freely you have received, freely give." - Matt. 10:8. They were not to take any money with them, but trust God to provide. He would give them what they needed. They should expect God to inspire the hospitality of others. They were to look for a worthy person and stay at their house. If they were not welcome or did not listen to their words, they were to leave and not waste their time. God does not force His truth on anyone.
Do you feel unprepared for the job?
Matthew 10:16-39 – The Warnings
Jesus warned them that people will oppose them.
He was sending them into towns that would be very judgmental and they
would be like sheep among wolves. They
were to "be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as
doves". – Matt. 10:16. They were to be on guard against men who
would arrest them because of Him. Then
Jesus encouraged them to not be afraid and to not worry about what they would
say. The Holy Spirit would tell them
what to say. Men would hate them because
of Jesus and they would be betrayed, but they were to stand firm. Jesus said, "Do
not be afraid of them. There is nothing
concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made
known." - Matt. 10:26. At judgment all their evil thoughts and deeds
will be revealed for all to see. "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot
kill the soul." - Matt.
10:28. "Don't
be afraid; you are more worthy than many sparrows." - Matt. 10:31. Yes, you are more worthy
and more important to God than anything else.
According to Open Doors World Watch List of 2021 (Opendoorsusa.org), there are 50 countries where Christians are persecuted. Most of these countries have been on the top 10 since 2015. Open Doors claims that this is the “worst year in modern history for Christian persecution” and that 309 million Christians experience “very high” or “extreme” levels of persecution and discrimination and is increasing in Muslim countries. Here are the top 10:
1. North
Korea
2. Afghanistan
3. Somalia
4. Libya
5. Pakistan
6. Eritrea
7. Yemen
8. Iran
9. Nigeria
10. India
Are you as shrewd as a snake and as innocent as a dove?
Jesus told them that trouble would come to families. Some would choose Jesus and some would oppose Him causing division in families. Jesus didn't come to bring peace to the earth. He wanted everyone to have peace, but there were those who do not accept Him and would cause trouble. We all have the freedom to choose. "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my father in heaven." - Matt. 10:32. We need to confess Jesus publicly before men, if we expect Him to be public about His allegiance to us. He called everyone publicly. There is no such thing as a secret Christian.
Jesus said, "Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." - Matt. 10:38-39. This means you should be willing and prepared for hard times. You may not actually die on a cross, but you should give up your own desires and do what Christ wants you to do. You die to self. Resurrection life only comes after we take up our cross to follow Jesus. It is a personal thing, a personal choice. Everyone must do it for themselves. We aren't forced - we are to do it willingly.
Do you
deny self and identify with Christ?
How do your actions and attitudes show others following Jesus is necessary?
Are you willing to follow Him, when it's difficult?
Matthew 10:40-42 – The Reward
If we welcome Christ's servants, we will be rewarded. "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." - Matt. 10:42. These ‘little ones’ could be referring to children, people who have believed only for a short time, people who are humble, or God servants. Here Jesus is referring to his disciples that He was sending out, because they were targets of the world. This includes all Christians who are His disciples. When we support God's servants (workers) and their work with even the smallest act of kindness, it is remembered in God's eyes and we will be rewarded.
Do you see the needs of others and try to help?
Principles:
Jesus calls regular people to work for Him.
When God calls us to serve, He equips us.
When you identify with Christ, expect persecution.
God uses persecution to further His kingdom.
Following Jesus is rewarding.
Living a life of Christ is not easy, but has eternal value.
Serving Jesus is all about Him and not about you.
Lots of lessons again this week - as always. We take so many things for granted. I hope you will stop and thank God for the many blessings He has given you and how He has provided for you.
Join me here next week as we continue our study of Matthew -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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