Matthew 10:1-15 is about Jesus giving authority to his disciples to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, drive out demons, and preach the message of the Kingdom of God while instructing them to rely on hospitality and not on material possessions.
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.
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;
3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans,
6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.
9 Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts,
10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.
11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart.
12 As you enter the house, greet it.
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.
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.
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.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 10:1-15
In Matthew chapter 10, we find Jesus calling his twelve disciples to him and giving them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. The scene is set in a serene countryside, with the disciples gathered around Jesus as he imparts his teachings and instructions to them. The disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, are all present, listening intently to their master.
The disciples had been following Jesus for some time, witnessing his miracles and teachings. Now, Jesus is commissioning them to go out and spread the good news of the kingdom of heaven to the people of Israel. He instructs them to preach that the kingdom of heaven has come near, to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons. Jesus also warns them of the challenges they will face, telling them to be shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves.
As the disciples receive this commission from Jesus, they are filled with a sense of purpose and determination. They are eager to go out and do the work that their master has entrusted to them, knowing that they carry the authority and power of Jesus himself. The scene is charged with anticipation and excitement as the disciples prepare to embark on their mission to spread the message of salvation and healing to the people of Israel.
What is Matthew 10:1-15 about?
Jesus entrusts His disciples with a significant mission in this verse. He is not just sending them out to perform random tasks, but He is commissioning them to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and rely on God’s provision. This shows us the importance of spreading the message of faith and love, as well as the power of healing and the importance of trusting in God for all our needs.
Imagine being one of the disciples standing before Jesus as He gives you this incredible assignment. How would you feel knowing that you have been chosen to be a vessel for spreading His word and performing miracles? It is both a privilege and a challenge to be entrusted with such a responsibility. Jesus is calling His disciples to step out in faith, to rely on Him completely, and to be obedient to His command. This verse reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to actively participate in His mission, to bring healing and hope to a broken world, and to trust in God’s provision every step of the way.
Understanding what Matthew 10:1-15 really means
In Matthew 10:1-15, we witness a pivotal moment where Jesus commissions His twelve disciples, granting them authority over unclean spirits and the ability to heal diseases. This act symbolizes the Kingdom of God breaking into the world through miraculous works. As we delve into the significance of Jesus’ instructions, we uncover timeless truths that resonate with us today.
Jesus instructs the disciples to focus initially on the lost sheep of Israel, setting the stage for a broader mission encompassing all nations. The message they are to proclaim, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand,” calls for repentance and faith, emphasizing the imminent arrival of God’s reign. This directive underscores the urgency of their mission and the transformative power of the gospel.
The principle of freely giving what one has received resonates throughout Jesus’ instructions. The disciples are called to share their gifts without seeking personal gain, embodying generosity and service. Moreover, the act of shaking off the dust from their feet signifies a symbolic detachment from those who reject the message, highlighting the seriousness of their decision.
In Luke 10:1-12 and Acts 1:8, we see the expansion of the mission from a Jewish focus to a global outreach, mirroring the progression outlined in Matthew 10. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:16-18 echo the ethos of sharing the gospel freely, reinforcing the disciples’ mandate to give without reservation.
Today, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the work initiated by the disciples. Understanding the prioritization of mission fields and the call to serve selflessly challenges us to reflect God’s grace in our interactions. Learning to handle rejection gracefully is essential for those sharing the gospel, echoing the disciples’ response to unbelief.
Consider a modern-day missionary facing initial rejection in a remote village. Through persistent service and dedication, hearts are gradually opened to the message of Christ, illustrating the principles of empowerment, service, and perseverance found in Matthew 10:1-15. This anecdote encapsulates the enduring relevance of Jesus’ instructions for mission and ministry.
In conclusion, Matthew 10:1-15 imparts valuable lessons on reliance on God’s empowerment, prioritization of efforts, selfless service, and graceful response to rejection. By internalizing these principles, we can effectively proclaim the message of the Kingdom of Heaven in our contemporary contexts, embodying the spirit of the disciples’ mission.
How can we trust God to provide for us?
Jesus is sending out his disciples to proclaim the message of the kingdom in Matthew 10:1-15. He instructs them not to take any money or belongings with them, relying instead on the hospitality and provision of others. This passage teaches us to trust in God’s provision as we step out in faith to do His work. We demonstrate our faith and trust in Him by obeying Jesus’ command and relying on God’s provision. When we take a step of faith and step out of our comfort zones, we allow God to show His faithfulness in providing for our needs. We can trust that God will take care of us as we follow Him in obedience, just as Jesus assured his disciples that the Father cares for them and knows their needs.
Therefore, by following the example set in Matthew 10:1-15, we can trust in God’s faithfulness to provide for us. When we put our trust in Him and prioritize His kingdom work, we can rest assured that He will meet our needs and care for us in every situation.
Application
Hey you, this is your call to action. Just like a CEO delegates critical tasks to trusted employees, Jesus has given you the job of spreading His love. In your busy world of work and family, think of this as your most important mission. The authority is yours, now go share the message. Are you ready to step up and make a difference?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.