Sending Out of the Twelve
Matthew 9:35–38
- Jesus teaches, preaches, and heals
- Compassion for the crowds
- Sheep without a shepherd
- “The harvest is plentiful”
- “The laborers are few”
- Send out laborers
- Methods may change — the gospel does not
- 1 Corinthians 9:19–23
Authority and the Twelve
Matthew 10:1–4
- Jesus gives the Twelve authority
- Unclean spirits
- Disease and affliction
- First use of “apostles” in Matthew
- The Twelve are named
- “Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him”
The Mission to Israel
Matthew 10:5–8
- Go to the lost sheep of Israel
- “The kingdom of heaven is at hand”
- Heal the sick
- Cast out demons
- Israel first — the covenant people
- Later: “all nations” — Matthew 28:19
Dependence on God
Matthew 10:9–13
- Take no money or extra provisions
- “The laborer deserves his food”
- Find a worthy house
- Stay there
- Depend on the provision you receive
- Focus on the mission
Rejection and the Mission
Matthew 10:14–16
- Some will not receive the message
- Shake off the dust
- Move on
- Don't carry rejection with you
- Sheep among wolves
- Wise as serpents
- Innocent as doves
The Fate of the Disciples
Matthew 10:17–25
- Expect opposition
- Courts, synagogues, governors, and kings
- An opportunity to bear witness
- The Spirit will speak through them
- Families will be divided
- Endure to the end
- Persecuted in one town? Move to another
- A disciple is not above his teacher
Fearless Confession
Matthew 10:26–33
- Do not fear men
- They can kill the body — not the soul
- Proclaim the message boldly
- You are valuable to the Father
- Even the hairs of your head are numbered
- Acknowledge Jesus before men
- Jesus will acknowledge you before the Father
- Faith is more than simply saying “Lord” — Matthew 7:21
Household Division
Matthew 10:34–36
- “Not peace, but a sword”
- Jesus warns of division
- Even within families
- Micah 7:6
- Different responses to Jesus bring conflict
- Is the problem the message—or how men receive it?
Conditions of Discipleship
Matthew 10:37–39
- Jesus must come before family
- Take up your cross
- Follow him
- Discipleship has a cost
- Lose your life “for my sake”
- Find true life
- Jesus before family, comfort, and even life
End of the Discourse
Matthew 10:40–11:1
- “Whoever receives you receives me”
- Receiving Jesus → receiving the Father
- Supporting Jesus' messengers matters
- Even a cup of cold water
- “Will by no means lose his reward”
- The Twelve go out
- Jesus continues teaching and preaching