Matthew - Week 27

The Twelve 

READ 

Matthew 10:1-4 

1 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. 2 Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter’s brother), 

James (son of Zebedee), John (James’s brother), 3 Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, 

Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, 4 Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). 

This is a listing of the 12 disciples. Jesus also called them His apostles. In the various listings of the 12 (here and Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16), Peter is mentioned first and Judas, who betrayed Jesus, is mentioned last. The word “disciple” has the basic meaning of “learner.” The word “apostle” had the meaning of a “sent one.” Jesus gave them authority and powers that would serve as their credentials. As apostles, they were the direct representatives of Jesus. 

REFLECT 

These 12 were chosen by Jesus and through them He desired to reach many more. Is God using you today to reach others? 

RESPOND 

Talk with a friend about some churches today that are discouraged because they have so few people attending. They need to be reminded that Jesus began with this small group, and one of them would be revealed later not even to be a believer. Do not let small church attendance or small prayer meetings discourage you. 

Sent Ones 

READ 

Matthew 10:5-8 

5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, 6 but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. 7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” 

Jesus’ instructions reveal the apostles were being sent only to the people of Israel. They were not to go to Gentiles or to the mixed race of Samaritans. Jesus called Israel, “God’s lost sheep.” Jesus wanted the 12 to announce that “the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” It was near because Jesus was the King of this Kingdom and it was being offered to Israel. As His representatives they were to demonstrate the power He had as the Messiah. 

REFLECT 

Think of how special it would have been to be sent out as Jesus’ representative. 

RESPOND 

With a friend, read what the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:19-21, a passage that refers to believers as Christ’s “ambassadors.” Think of ambassadors of countries today. They are representatives of the country they serve. Believers have their citizenship in heaven and are to serve as God’s ambassadors to this lost world.  

Those Who Work 

READ 

Matthew 10:9-10 

9 “Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. 10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.” 

These are the instructions Jesus gave as He sent His disciples to the nation of Israel. They were not to take extra clothing. They were to accept hospitality from fellow Israelites who were instructed from the law of Moses to be hospitable to their own. It was considered that their fellow Israelites would provide whatever they needed. 

REFLECT 

Think of the faith it took for the disciples to go out like this. They were completely dependent on God working in the hearts of others to provide for them. 

RESPOND 

With a friend look at Matthew 6:32-34 to see what these disciples were depending on as they went to the nation of Israel with the message the Messiah had given them. 

Worthy and Unworthy 

READ 

Matthew 10:11-15 

11 “Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. 12 When you enter the home, give it your blessing. 13 If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. 14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. 15 I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.” 

Not every home was considered worthy of having the disciples. They were to search for it. Once in the home they were not to change homes if they saw a more preferred place. They were to give it their blessing. If a town or home refused to have them, they were to symbolically shake its dust from their feet as they left. Jesus declared judgment on the towns or households that would not receive the disciples. 

REFLECT 

The homes were to consider it an honor to receive the disciples. Do you consider it a privilege to host fellow believers? 

RESPOND 

With a fellow believer read 1 Timothy 3:1-5 to see the qualifications to be a church leader; that is, an overseer of an assembly. Notice especially verse 2 that mentions enjoying having guests in his home.  

Sheep Among Wolves 

READ 

Matthew 10:16-20 

16 “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. 17 But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. 18 You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. 19 When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. 20 For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” 

These were sobering words Jesus told the disciples before sending them out. They were to expect hardships and persecution. This would give them an opportunity, however, to share their faith. If arrested and had to think of something immediately to say, Jesus said God would give them the right words. This is not an excuse to be unprepared if there is opportunity; this was only in a crisis situation when there was little time to think. 

REFLECT 

Consider this passage of Scripture. Did anyone tell you that being a Christian could bring some difficulties ahead? 

RESPOND 

Read 2 Timothy 3:11-12 to see what will happen to those who make it their desire to live godly lives. Has this happened to you?