April -7 – Called to Mission

Sunday School Lesson

April 7

Lesson 6 (KJV)

Called to Mission

 

Devotional Reading: Matthew 15:21–28

Background Scripture: Matthew 10

 

Matthew 10:1–15

1. And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

 

2. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

 

3. Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

 

4. Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

 

5. These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

 

6. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

 

7. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

 

8. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

 

9. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

 

10. Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

 

11. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

 

12. And when ye come into an house, salute it.

 

13. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

 

14. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

 

15. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

 

Key Verse

When he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.—

 

Matthew 10:1

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

 

1. Describe the backgrounds of the 12 apostles.

 

2. Explain Jesus’ mission instructions to the 12.

 

3. Determine one way to participate in Jesus’ calling to continue His work.

 

HOW TO SAY IT

Alphaeus	Al-fee-us.
Assyria	Uh-sear-ee-uh.
Bethsaida	Beth-say-uh-duh.
Canaanite	Kay-nun-ite.
Capernaum	Kuh-per-nay-um.
Gomorrha	Guh-more-uh.
Herod Agrippa	Hair-ud Uh-grip-puh.
Herod Antipas	Hair-ud An-tih-pus.
Judas Iscariot	Joo-dus Iss-care-ee-ut.
Lebbaeus	Leh-bee-us.
Messianic	Mess-ee-an-ick.
Samaritans	Suh-mare-uh-tunz.
Thaddaeus	Tha-dee-us.
Zebedee	Zeb-eh-dee.
Zechariah	Zek-uh–rye-uh.
Zelotes	Zeh-low-teez.

Introduction

1. On Having a Commission

The word commission is well known, and the dictionary offers no less than seven definitions, with several sub-definitions, depending on context. Two definitions in Merriam-Webster’s that should catch our attention are these: “a formal written warrant granting the power to perform various acts or duties” and “authority to act for, in behalf of, or in place of another.” Those definitions are hard to tell apart; it seems like if one definition applies to you, then the other would as well, right?

Some might point out that the difference lies in distinguishing between power (the ability to do something) and authority (the right to do something). Others might suggest that the difference is in the part about a commission being written. This kind of commission is well known to Christians, since Matthew 28:19, 20 is our formal written charge to make disciples (contrast Acts 26:12).

Commission more in the sense of “authority to act … in place of another” without the element of being written is also in the Bible, but less well known. That’s our topic for this lesson.

 

1. Lesson Context

Matthew and Luke locate the events of our passage after the 12 disciples had had significant exposure to Jesus’ message and work. Another account notes that several disciples mentioned in Matthew 10 met Jesus shortly after His baptism and witnessed His first miracle (John 1:35–2:11).

Jesus later encountered Peter, Andrew, James, and John in Capernaum and famously called them from their nets to become “fishers of men” (see lessons 2 and 5). In so doing, He was challenging them to leave their careers and travel with Him full-time. From that vantage point, they witnessed Jesus’ teachings and healings across the region. Somewhere during this campaign, Matthew the publican (tax collector) accepted the call to itinerant discipleship as well (Matthew 9:9–13).

As Jesus’ mission grew, He urged prayer that God would raise up more people to help with the work (Matthew 9:35–38). Our lesson text today immediately follows this call to prayer.

 

1. Called to Imitate

(Matthew 10:1–4)

1. Empowered (v. 1)

1a. And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples.

 

This verse seems to represent fulfillment of the immediately preceding prayer for workers. This is the first time in Matthew that those followers closest to Jesus are designated by the expression twelve disciples. We may be surprised to learn that that expression is relatively rare in the New Testament. It occurs only here and in Matthew 11:1; 20:17; and Luke 9:1—and the word disciples doesn’t occur in some Greek texts in the latter two. (Compare “eleven disciples” in Matthew 28:16.)

More common is the shorthand designation “the twelve,” which occurs almost two dozen times in the New Testament. These 12 (named below) are the ones Jesus chooses to extend His ministry, which includes spiritual and physical healing. The word translated disciples occurs more than 250 times in the Gospels and Acts (only). It refers to those who subscribe to the lessons and lifestyle of a great teacher (compare Matthew 10:24, 25; Luke 6:40). The common practice is to live alongside one’s teacher or master in order to imitate the master’s behavior.

 

1b. He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

 

The action verb “called” of the previous phrase is now followed by the action verb gave. Before sending the Twelve on their mission, Jesus empowers them to do the miracles they have seen Him do (Matthew 4:23, 24; 8:1–16, 28–34; 9:18–33). If God’s will is to be done on earth as in Heaven (Matthew 6:10)‌—and it shall indeed be done in fullness on earth when Christ returns—then there should be no unclean spirits, sickness, or disease. The message that is to accompany the exercise of power over these is described in Matthew 10:7, below.

 

1. Identified (vv. 2–4)

2a. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these.

 

Alongside the rare designation “twelve disciples” (above) is the equally rare phrase twelve apostles(compare only Luke 22:14 and Revelation 21:14). The meaning of the noun is “he that is sent,” which is how the word is translated in John 13:16. The fact that this is the first time the Twelve are called apostles is quite appropriate, since this is the first instance of Jesus sending them to proclaim His message. The verb form of the noun apostle is regularly translated as some form of “send” (examples: Matthew 2:16; 8:31; 10:5 [below]). Regarding the significance of the number 12, see on Matthew 10:5, 6, below.

 

2b. The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother.

There are four listings of the Twelve in the Bible: Matthew 10:2–4; Mark 3:16–19; Luke 6:13–16; and (lacking Judas the betrayer) Acts 1:13. The names in the verse before are always the top four in those lists, which seems to indicate their importance relative to the other eight.

Simon … Peter is always listed first. This probably acknowledges his leadership among the Twelve (compare his frequent outspokenness in Matthew 16:16–23; 17:1–8, 24–27; 18:21; 19:27; 26:33; Acts 1:15–26; 2:14–41). The order of the other three names here varies from list to list. Peter, James, and John are sometimes referred to as Jesus’ inner circle, being privileged to witness things the others are not (see Matthew 17:1–9; Mark 5:37–42; 14:32–36).

The pattern repeats as the fifth and ninth names are the same across all lists, while names in the sixth through eighth and tenth through twelfth positions swap places from list to list, but always within those boundaries. Judas the betrayer is listed last in three cases and not at all in the fourth. With the minor exception of the latter, all listings of the Twelve thus fall into thirds of four names each.

Peter had been introduced to Jesus by Andrew his brother (John 1:40–42). Andrew was apparently Jesus’ very first follower (1:40) and is one of two apostles who have Greek names. This speaks to Greek influence in the area. See further commentary in lessons 2 and 5 (pages 243, 270).

 

What Do You Think? What are some ways to live out our own discipleship better as people sent by God?   Digging Deeper Consider how these passages might and might not inform one’s personal sense of calling: Isaiah 6:1–8; Jeremiah 1:4–8; Matthew 28:18–20; John 17:13–23; Acts 6:3; 9:10–16.

3a. Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican.

 

Philip is the other apostle who has a Greek name. He is from Bethsaida, the hometown of other apostles as well (see John 1:44). His name always appears fifth in the listings just discussed; the names of the other three apostles noted here vary in appearing in the sixth through eighth positions. Bartholomew is generally identified as the Nathanael in John 1:45–51. He is otherwise not mentioned in the New Testament.

Thomas is the one whom many Christians today refer to as “doubting Thomas” because of his refusal to believe testimony of Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:24, 25). This designation overlooks the courage he shows as the events surrounding his declaration in John 11:16 come to pass.

It’s interesting that this is the only list of the four in which Matthew is designated the publican, a despised tax collector. And Matthew is the one who writes this particular list!

 

3b., 4. James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

 

The name James the son of Alphaeus occurs in the ninth position in all four listings of the Twelve. The name James occurs more than 40 times in the New Testament to refer to as many as five men by that name, so it’s easy to get confused. Some think this James is the same as “James the less” (Mark 15:40).

The only thing we know of Lebbaeus … Thaddaeus is the question he asks in John 14:22. He is the same as “Judas … of James” in Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13. Likewise, Simon the Canaanite is referred to differently in those two texts, where “Zelotes” (zealot—a zealous revolutionary) replaces the word Canaanite. Judas Iscariot is, of course, infamous for betraying Jesus (Matthew 26:14–16, 47–50).

The collective identity of the 12 apostles is perhaps more significant than their individual biographies. All are close associates of Jesus. They are familiar with His lifestyle, teaching, and methods of ministry. They are therefore well-prepared to continue and expand His work.

 

1. Commissioned to Do

(Matthew 10:5–12)

1. Directing the Mission (vv. 5, 6)

5, 6. These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not; but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

 

The Gentiles are people who are not Jews. Free trade, travel, and colonization have resulted in a diverse population, even here on the edge of the Roman Empire. Even so, devout Jews associate with neither them (Acts 10:28) nor Samaritans (John 4:9). The latter are scorned for their mixed-blood heritage that resulted from the Assyrian conquest of 722 BC (see 2 Kings 17; compare Ezra 4:1–5).

The instruction Jesus gives is not ethnic or racial discrimination. Jesus has a plan that includes an offer of the gospel to everyone. But the plan must unfold in an orderly, focused way. The plan’s progression is later laid out for the apostles as witnessing “in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8; compare Romans 1:16; 2:9, 10).

Jesus’ previous visits in areas with heavy concentrations of Gentiles (Matthew 8:28a) and Samaritans (John 4) are not inconsistent with this plan. To preach the gospel does not seem to have been Jesus’ reason for entering those areas (compare John 4:1–4). Belief resulted when residents of those areas sought Him out rather than the reverse (Matthew 8:28b; John 4:39–42). The focus for now is on restoring and renewing the Israelite people.

The number 12, for its part, corresponds symbolically to the 12 tribes of Israel (compare Matthew 19:28a; Revelation 21:12, 14). Since the forthcoming mission focuses on calling Israel to return to God, it is fitting that Jesus chooses 12 envoys to extend His ministry.

Jesus’ description of the target audience as lost sheep (compare Jeremiah 50:6) is consistent with His Messianic identity and mission as prophesied in Ezekiel 34:11–25 and Micah 5:2–5 (compare Matthew 2:3–6). Similar language will be reflected later in Jesus’ self-description in John 10:7–18.

 

What Do You Think? Under what circumstances, if any, will it be a good idea to use a “targeted demographic” approach when planting a new church? Explain.   Digging Deeper Consider this from several angles: targets of age group, economic status, etc.

1. Describing the Ministry (vv. 7, 8)
2. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

 

The message the Twelve are to preach is identical to that preached so far by John the Baptist and Jesus (Matthew 3:1, 2; 4:17). The message doesn’t change, only the messengers. On the meaning and significance of the phrases kingdom of heaven and at hand, see lesson 5, pages 269, 270.

Com U Ni C8

Text messaging, like it or not, has changed the way we communicate. The use of abbreviations such as LOL for laughing out loud or IMO for in my opinion are widely used. But we wonder what the long-term effect will be.

In recent years, the New Zealand department of education ordered that students should not be penalized for answering questions on tests by using such text-speak. While still encouraging students to use standard English, authorities instructed teachers to give credit when an answer shows the required understanding. These educators argue that text-speak is just another way to communicate. While many support the policy, others responded “R U c RE us!” (translation: “Are you serious!”). They are concerned that such abbreviated language will lead to misunderstandings and degradation of the language.

The apostles were given a short message: just five words consisting of 26 letters in Greek. But they were to take no shortcuts in communicating it. Neither must we.

—J. E.

What Do You Think? Which will be more important in presenting the gospel, the accuracy of the presentation or the perception that we are acting in the other person’s best interest? Explain your answer.   Digging Deeper Identify the strengths and weaknesses of both answers. What are the dangers of too much emphasis on one at the expense of the other?

8. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

 

The works the disciples are enabled to perform are tied to Jesus’ proclamation of the coming of God’s kingdom. The miracles Jesus performed to establish the truth of His message will be the same for the Twelve (compare in Matthew 9:35).

The instructions parallel Jesus’ later reply to John the Baptist’s question in Matthew 11:4, 5. God’s kingdom is indeed coming powerfully! It comes not in the form of a military revolution but rather in terms of physical and spiritual healing.

Notably, the disciples are not to accept payment. Their works are to proclaim God’s rule, not to enrich themselves (compare Acts 8:18–20; contrast 2 Kings 5:15–27).

 

What Do You Think? What can modern Christians and churches do to demonstrate that God’s kingdom is present and active in the world?   Digging Deeper Does the old saying “what you win them with is what you win them to” have any value in answering the question? Why, or why not?

1. Defining the Method (vv. 9–12)

9, 10a. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves.

The disciples are to travel light. The antique English word scrip is related to the modern word scrapand refers to a bag that would be used for holding scraps—miscellaneous items. Staves are walking sticks. The disciples are to travel with only the clothes on their backs.

 

10b. For the workman is worthy of his meat.

 

The logic behind the instructions to travel light appears in the form of a proverb (see also 1 Timothy 5:18). How Jesus expects this to work practically comes next.

 

11. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

 

While the Twelve are not to solicit money for their preaching and healing ministry (Matthew 10:8, above), they are allowed to accept room and board. They should expect to receive this from those to whom they minister (compare Numbers 18:31; Luke 10:7; 1 Corinthians 9:14). Worthy does not refer to people who are unusually spiritual, but rather to those who are receptive to the disciples’ message and willing to provide hospitality (compare 3 John 5–8).

While moving around might give the disciples more opportunities to preach to more families, Jesus’ instruction here is consistent with those of the previous three verses. Once it becomes known that the disciples can “heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, [and] cast out devils” (Matthew 10:8, above), they will quickly receive many invitations to stay at the finest houses in town. Various temptations would come from doing so, not to mention the time that would be wasted. The disciples are instead to lodge with the first person who welcomes them in a given town, even if it means living with less (again, see Luke 10:7).

 

12. And when ye come into an house, salute it.

 

This verse envisions that the disciples will take their message from door to door in each new village. When they come to a new town and begin preaching, they should offer a friendly greeting and blessing on any home they enter. Their approach should be a positive one, offering peace and healing and assuming that people will receive the message.

III. Counseled to Expect

(Matthew 10:13–15)

13, 14. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

 

In Jesus’ mind, there are only two ways to respond to His message: accept it wholeheartedly or reject it. Since the disciples will preach Jesus’ message and use His methods, they should expect exactly the same outcomes.

Notably, the success of the disciples’ mission is not measured in terms of how many people accept the message. The apostles are not instructed to stay in town until 75 percent of the population have heard or 20 percent of the sick have been healed; they have fulfilled their mission as soon as they have proclaimed the kingdom and demonstrated its power.

The symbolism of shaking off the dust graphically communicates that the disciples are not responsible for other people’s choices. While they are permitted to take shelter and food from those who accept them (Matthew 10:10, above), they are to take nothing from those who reject the message‌—‌not even loose dirt from the road (compare Acts 13:51).

 

Thanks, But No Thanks

It seemed like an offer too good to refuse—until it was refused! The Chamber of Commerce of Murcia, Spain, sponsored a contest called “Shopping Against the Clock.” The winner was to be awarded a shopping spree worth a little over $7,000. The only catch was that the winner had to spend the money in less than three hours.

About 600 businesses were involved, hoping that the promotion would boost interest in the local economy. More than 60,000 contestants entered. But when the winner was notified, she replied that she would have to think about accepting it. In the end, she declined, saying that she was just too busy to waste a morning shopping!

By contrast, the runner-up gladly accepted. Taking three hours out of her day, she ended up with jewelry, clothing, shoes, home décor, sunglasses, presents for her family, and a whole ham!

We may be surprised that Jesus would caution His apostles regarding those who would refuse something as valuable as they had to offer. But then as today, some do refuse. That leads us to ask the question that comes next.

—J. E.

What Do You Think? How will we know when it is time, if ever, to “move on” from a person who consistently resists the gospel message?   Digging Deeper Consider how these Scriptures do or do not inform your answer: Matthew 7:6; 13:52–58; Acts 13:44–52; 1 Timothy 1:18–20; Titus 3:9–14.

15. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

 

We come to an analogy between the disciples’ mission and the mission of angels to rescue Lot and family from Sodom (Genesis 19). Like the angels, the disciples bring a message of salvation. Those to whom the disciples preach will have more time than did Lot as well as much more evidence of the truth. If the healings, exorcisms, and lifestyle of the disciples do not convince them, they will have no excuse come the day of judgment.

 

Conclusion

1. Get with the Program

In some respects, the mission of the 12 apostles was a test run for the later work of the 70 in Luke 10:1–12, 17. Both missions were pilots for the imperatives of Matthew 28:18–20. These verses have become widely known as the Great Commission, often cited as a convenient summary of Jesus’ instructions to all future followers. The church’s missionary efforts have long been grounded in that final teaching of Matthew’s Gospel.

While the Great Commission extends far beyond the area of Jesus’ earthly ministry, close inspection reveals that Jesus simply instructs His followers to do what He himself has done. He made disciples; now His disciples are to do the same. In many respects, the Great Commission is a nutshell version of Jesus’ own program. The question now is, will you get with the program?

 

1. Prayer

Father, help us to be wise and courageous as we seek to fulfill Your Son’s calling on us. Give us the strength and abilities we need to proclaim Your kingdom whenever and wherever You need us to do so. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

1. Thought to Remember

The “all nations” of Matthew 28:19 still await the gospel.

 

 

 

KID’S CORNER

God Judges with Justice and Mercy

April 7, 2019

Matthew 10:1-15

 

Matthew 10:1-15

(Matthew 10:1) And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.

Jesus showed His divine power by casting out demons and healing all diseases and all afflictions; therefore, some people followed Jesus for the personal benefits. Some followed Jesus because they also loved His teaching; for Jesus taught about God as one with authority. These “learners” were “disciples” in the broadest meaning of the word (disciple means learner). From among these “learners,” Jesus called twelve disciples, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, to accompany Him and learn privately the most important truths about Him and His mission. After the twelve disciples had learned what they needed, and could faithfully represent Jesus and His teachings, Jesus promoted them to “apostles” (ambassadors) and sent them out to practice what He had taught. He gave them authority and power to cast out evil demons or unclean spirits as He did. He also gave them the ability to heal every disease (such as leprosy) and every affliction (such as blindness and lameness) which demonstrated both the love of God for people and proved that Jesus was all He said He was and would become as their Savior and Lord. With the authority and power that Jesus gave them, they went out as Jesus’ official representatives to do what Jesus did and teach what Jesus taught.

(Matthew 10:2) The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

Jesus set the twelve disciples apart from other learners (disciples) by calling them apostles. An apostle was one that Jesus sent out officially to spread the good news about Him and His teachings. Because of their official status and Jesus’ personal training of them, they were to be listened to, believed, and obeyed as they taught Jesus’ commands and revelations. Other disciples did not have the official status of apostles, they continued as learners. All the apostles began as disciples. Only a few disciples became apostles. The only apostles with authority given to them directly by Jesus Christ are those named in the Bible. A true apostle was one who had witnessed the ministry of Jesus personally. To choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot, the apostles established the qualifications of an apostle. In Acts 1:21-22, we read, “So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” Today, no one qualifies to serve as an apostle of Jesus Christ; today, no one has seen Jesus both during His earthly ministry and after His resurrection. Jesus personally called Paul to be an apostle on the road to Damascus or shortly thereafter, and the other apostles recognized his unique call as an apostle.

The Bible does not teach us much about the twelve disciples, preferring instead to keep our focus on Jesus and who Jesus is and the truths Jesus taught. Simon Peter (the Rock) is always listed first in the Bible’s lists, and except for the Apostle Paul, we learn more about Peter than the other apostles. Simon Peter declared to Jesus: “You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68) and Peter was the first to declare: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mark 16:16). Only from tradition do we learn that the fishermen Peter and his brother Andrew were crucified. James and John were also fishermen, and the Bible tells us that King Herod killed James with a sword (Acts 12:1-2). John wrote his gospel, three letters that appear in the Bible, and the Book of Revelation. We know from tradition that John was the only apostle who was not martyred but lived into old age.

(Matthew 10:3) Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;

Bartholomew may be another name for Nathanael. Philip introduced Nathanael to Jesus (John 1:45). Peter, Andrew, Philip (and perhaps Bartholomew) were from the city of Bethsaida (John 1:44). Thomas was called Didymus (the Twin) and became known as “Doubting Thomas” (John 20:24-28). Matthew was a tax collector. James became known as “James the Less” (Mark 15:40) as distinct from James, the brother of Jesus, and James, the son of Zebedee. The Bible tells us little about Thaddaeus.

(Matthew 10:4) Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

“Simon the Zealot” (meaning Fanatic?) or “was called the Zealot” (Luke 6:15) was perhaps politically active (violently?) against the Romans or was zealous in serving Jesus Christ. If he was a Zealot in the political sense, he and Matthew the tax collector would have been enemies until they became friends as disciples of Jesus. Judas Iscariot is always listed last because he betrayed Jesus. The Old Testament and Jesus predicted his betrayal. In Acts 1:16, Peter said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.”

(Matthew 10:5) These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans,

As a practical matter at that time, the twelve apostles were not yet prepared to reach out to Samaritans and Gentiles. The Jews were taught to avoid contact with Samaritans and Gentiles as much as possible, so they would have known very little about how to teach them about Jesus. Only after they received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost would Jesus prepare them spiritually from the inside out for mission work among Samaritans and Gentiles. In addition to not yet being prepared to minister to Samaritans and Gentiles, doing so would have brought great controversy among the Jews (and eventually great controversy did arise in the Church over the issue), and this controversy would have interfered immensely with and detracted from Jesus’ further teaching and stress on the true meaning of His dying on the cross and rising again for the forgiveness of the sins. Since Jesus commended the faith of some Samaritans and Gentiles, we know that Jesus was not prejudiced against them and set an example for all His followers on how to love all people and bless them.

(Matthew 10:6) but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Being Jews themselves, who had found or had been found by Jesus, they understood Jews and how to preach to Jews. As disciples and apostles, they had personally repented of their sins, trusted in Jesus as the promised Messiah, and had witnessed His loving ministry to others.  They knew by experience what their fellow Jews needed and needed to do to receive eternal life. The “lost sheep of the house of Israel” had been taught the law of God, knew what sin was, knew they were guilty of sin, knew their sacrifices at the temple did not cleanse them from sin, and looked forward to the coming of the Messiah. Through the law and the prophets, God had prepared them to receive and believe in Jesus for salvation; therefore, with good reasons, Jesus told the apostles to go first to the Jews. It would have taken a long time for the twelve disciples to prepare the Samaritans and Gentiles to receive Jesus the Jewish Messiah as the Son of God, their Lord, and their Savior. Jesus did tell them that the gospel would eventually be proclaimed to all nations, including Samaritans and Gentiles (Mark 13:10).

(Matthew 10:7) And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

As ambassadors of Jesus Christ, they preached the same message as John the Baptist and Jesus. By their words and deeds, they demonstrated that the kingdom of God was “at hand” (close to their listeners). If their listeners would believe the good news of Jesus and repent of their sins, then the kingdom of God would come to them in a new and personal way too. They could begin living in the kingdom of God with the expectation of more blessings from God to come into their lives as their faith in and obedience to Jesus Christ increased.

(Matthew 10:8) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Jesus did all these loving works to help others, and He commissioned the twelve apostles to do these same works as they taught about Him. These works would confirm that the love of God in Christ Jesus was truly working through them. They did not pay Jesus anything for the ability to do these miracles; therefore, they were not to charge anyone anything when they healed someone or raised someone’s loved one from the dead. Jesus never charged anyone anything to work a needed miracle in someone’s life. Doing these works for pay could have made the twelve apostles extremely wealthy and Jesus did not want them to misuse their authority and power. As Peter later ministered to the Samaritans after the Day of Pentecost, knowing the possible financial benefit, Simon the Magician wanted to buy the Holy Spirit from the Apostle Peter, and Peter told him that his heart was not right before God (see Acts 8:9-25).

(Matthew 10:9) Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts,

Gold, silver, and copper coins could be wrapped into a cloth belt and worn around the waist for easy carrying. People could conceal their wealth in this manner.

(Matthew 10:10) no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.

Designed to train His twelve apostles while blessing others through them, Jesus may have intended that this missionary journey be of short duration; so, their only real need would be food. They would not need to carry a bag of money or take a change of clothes or extra sandals or a staff for protection (or help in walking on a long journey). However long their missionary tour, if they depended on Jesus, Jesus would meet all their needs and do so through others. During their mission work, they would learn to trust more in Jesus and Jesus would prove faithful to them even from a distance.

(Matthew 10:11) And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart.

Joseph and Mary raised Jesus in a worthy home, and worthy people and homes existed in Judea, where people truly loved, trusted, and worshiped God, were honest, and blessed their neighbors according to the Law of God. These worthy people would have been looking forward to the coming of the Redeemer that God had promised to send for the forgiveness of their sins. Coming into a Jewish town, the apostles were to inquire and find a home that was worthy by reputation. Such a family would be the most likely to respond eagerly and believe the message Jesus told them to proclaim. If they came to believe, they could help the apostles spread the good news about Jesus, and the townspeople would most likely respect the testimony of those they considered worthy. Being concerned about others, they would be the most able to direct the apostles to those who most needed to be healed, have demons cast out, be delivered from an affliction, or receive the good news. Indeed, they could easily and quickly begin to demonstrate that the kingdom of God had come near through Jesus ministry through them. By commanding the disciples to stay only in one home until they departed a town, they could have more time to teach a family more about Jesus, and that home could become a center for further mission work by others and the place to first establish a local church.

(Matthew 10:12) As you enter the house, greet it.

Worthy homes usually extended hospitality toward travelers. Jesus told His disciples to respectfully enter a home and greet the family—probably by introducing themselves as apostles of Jesus, telling the family about Jesus the Messiah, and their mission in His name in their town.

(Matthew 10:13) And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Different people might have different ideas on who was worthy or a worthy house. The apostles might be sent to a house that really was not worthy. As apostles, they would come into a home bearing the peace of God that Jesus had given them. If the house was not worthy, the inhabitants might not recognize, or they might reject, the peace of God that the apostles exhibited and wanted to give them. In such a case, without arguing or being pushy, the apostles were to leave the house and the peace that they had brought into the house would leave with them.

(Matthew 10:14) And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.

In a spirit of peace and love, the apostles were to teach people the truth about Jesus. If they or their message were rejected, they were to quietly walk away. When Jews left a Gentile or Samaritan area or town, they shook the dust of that town off their feet rather than take a part of that contaminated area or town with them back into Judea. When the disciples went on their way, they were to treat an unworthy house or town that would not receive them or their words as a Jew would treat a Gentile or Samaritan town. By their wordless actions, those they left behind without any arguments, words of condemnation, or rebuke would get the message; furthermore, they were not to carry any “dust” (bad feelings, anger, or resentments) with them when they left the town and went to another. Rather, they were to do as the Apostle Paul later wrote in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

(Matthew 10:15) Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.”

Jesus declared that a day of judgment is coming. At the judgment, those who have heard or seen the most truth demonstrated by words and deeds of righteous people, but have rejected the truth of God, will suffer more than those who heard and saw less truth demonstrated. In John 18:37, Jesus answered Pilate, “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Since the people of Sodom and Gomorrah only had Lot’s words and example as a righteous man, the judgment would be more bearable for them than for the Jews who rejected Jesus and the good news He and the apostles preached and demonstrated. In 2 Peter 2:6-9, Peter wrote: “if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.”

 

God Judges with Justice and Mercy

April 7, 2019

Matthew 10:1-15

 

“Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town” (Matthew 10:15).

 

When Jesus sent His twelve disciples on their first missionary journey, He sent them first to the people they knew best because they had the same background, to the Jews. They all knew the commands to love the LORD God and their neighbors. Jesus gave His disciples the divine authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out

demons; therefore, they could demonstrate that their Message was from God and His Messiah, Jesus. When they went to a town, Jesus commanded them to seek a worthy home to stay in, where the family loved God and their Neighbors. In a worthy home, they could tell how Jesus changed their lives and gave them peace with God, peace within themselves, and peace with many others. Unhappily, some homes and even whole towns were filled with people who disregarded and disobeyed the law of God. They did not seek to obey God but chose to do evil. They had no interest in living in the kingdom of heaven. If the disciples entered an unworthy home or town, Jesus commanded them to leave, put the experience behind them, and go on to help other people. Because God loves everyone, God makes judgements with justice and mercy.

Sodom and Gomorrah had only one preacher, Lot, who called

the people to repent. Through the words and actions of Jesus’ disciples, God demonstrated His love and willingness to forgive sinners. Therefore, in the coming judgment, those who preferred sin and rejected God’s love and offer of forgiveness will suffer more than those from Sodom and Gomorrah.

 

Thinking Further

God Judges with Justice and Mercy

April 7, 2019

Matthew 10:1-15

Name ___________________________________

 

1. What kind of authority did Jesus give to His disciples?

 

 

 

2. Why do you think giving them this authority was important?

 

 

 

3. Why do you think Jesus told them to go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel?

 

 

 

4. What were the disciples not to acquire as they preached about Jesus? Why do you think Jesus commanded them to

avoid doing this?

 

 

 

5. What would you consider a worthy house or family to be,

then and now?

 

Discussion and Thinking Further

1. What kind of authority did Jesus give to His disciples?

Authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction, to raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. He gave them the authority that He had to do what He did.

 

2. Why do you think giving them this authority was important?

Perhaps so His disciples could show that the kingdom of heaven was drawing near, and as the King in the kingdom of heaven Jesus had the authority and power to give this authority and power to others, especially to His ambassadors or representatives. To prove that their teaching about Jesus as the coming Messiah was true, and He was King over the whole universe and all created beings.

 

3. Why do you think Jesus told them to go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel?

Because in the very beginning they would understand people like themselves the very best, and this was partly a training mission for them. They would be speaking to those who expected the Messiah to come and who knew the Law of God, to people who were prepared the best to receive the good news of Jesus, and who should have welcomed the good news of Jesus with gladness. Later, with the help of the Holy Spirit, they would use Jesus’ example and teaching to reach out and bring the good news of salvation to Samaritans and Gentiles.

 

4. What were the disciples not to acquire as they preached about Jesus? Why do you think Jesus commanded them to avoid doing this?

They were not to acquire money or wealth, gold, silver, copper or things of value. They had received the authority and power to help others freely and without paying for it, and what they had received freely they were told to give freely to others and without payment. To show that they were not preaching and healing selfishly for their personal benefit to get rich (for the authority and power Jesus gave them had great value), but they were doing these things because Jesus loved them, and they loved those He had commanded them to serve. However, those who heard the gospel or received healing were to meet the personal or real needs of the disciple. In 1 Timothy 5:18, Paul wrote: “For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer deserves his wages.’”

 

5. What would you consider a worthy house or family to be, then and now?

A family that tries to love, honor and obey God; a family that loves and serves others with honesty and integrity as Jesus would want them to do.

 

 

Word Search

God Judges with Justice and Mercy

April 7, 2019

Matthew 10:1-15

Name _________________________________

 

S U S E J N E D R W R U B S W

R E S L O R W A U A E N C D O

T D K U N F O Z B S T H U N U

I H B H E P N W H A E O P D R

X S A A S A E L V M P J H V O

H W C D R R H B Z O G B I B X

C E Z A D T M P N H M F L Y P

K W J N R A H S L T D Q I R F

S B A Z T I E O U A J W P B L

D C R T A J O U L S U A F T U

F V H Q U X V T S O E H M B K

U E L D T O L A E Z M J U E F

W V A H M F H Q Y N A E O C S

T S Z B R V B A K G R J W Z M

R V N V L W N S I M O N A B L

 

Jesus

Peter

Andrew

James

John

Philip

Bartholomew

Thomas

Matthew

Thaddaeus

Simon

Alphaeus

Zealot

Judas

Iscariot

 

 

True and False Test

God Judges with Justice and Mercy

April 7, 2019

Matthew 10:1-15

Name _________________________________

 

Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.

 

1. The twelve disciples asked Jesus if He would make them special leaders above all His other disciples. True or False

 

2. Jesus gave His twelve disciples authority over unclean spirits, so they cast evil demons out of people. True or False

 

3. The twelve disciples could not cure lepers. True or False

 

4. Because Matthew was a tax collector, Jesus said he could never be one of His twelve disciples. True or False

 

5. Simon was a Zealot, but Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus anyway. True or False

 

6. Jesus said brothers could not become one of the twelve disciples, because both might get hurt in an unworthy home or town. True or False

 

7. Jesus did not like Samaritans and Gentiles, so He told His twelve disciples to avoid them when they preached and healed people. True or False

 

8. The twelve disciples charged 15 gold coins for healing someone and 30 gold coins for raising someone’s loved one from the dead. True or False
9. Jesus told His disciples that during their mission trip they were to stay in worthy homes. True or False

 

10. Jesus told His disciples to let their peace come upon worthy homes. True or False

 

 

True and False Test Answer

1. False
2. True
3. False
4. False
5. True
6. False
7. False
8. False
9. True
10. True

 

1. Prayer

Father, help us to be wise and courageous as we seek to fulfill Your Son’s calling on us. Give us the strength and abilities we need to proclaim Your kingdom whenever and wherever You need us to do so. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.