Matt3-3

We must remember what has just happened. Jesus has just spoken about the harvest being ready and needing workers to go out to work in it. So now we see him sending his first twelve “workers” out into the harvest. They are first of all referred to as disciples (learners) and then as apostles (sent ones) for Jesus is both their teacher and their sender. When Jesus sends, we should note, he also teaches (imparts knowledge of what is expected of us) and equips (imparts power and ability to be able to do it).

Now what does it mean when it says that Jesus gave them authority to heal etc. It means that first of all he said this to them and second, as with God in the beginning of Genesis, when he speaks a word the thing is there. From now on, on this expedition at least, it means that when they speak with authority and pray things WILL happen. Jesus has decreed it, so it will happen.

Why are they named in pairs? Well some of them are brothers but perhaps it is more likely that these are the working pairs in which they were sent out. Mark 6:7 tells us they went in pairs, and this seems the New Testament norm for workers going out, so they support each other and are not alone. How different from much today.

D. Application:

1. When Jesus sends, he also informs and equips.

2. If he gives you a task, he will have also given you the means!

Chapter: Matthew 10

Passage: Matthew 10:5-10

A. Find Out:

1. Where were the apostles not to go? v.5

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.

2. But where were they to go? v.6

Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel .

3. What message were they to preach? v.7

As you go, preach this message: `The kingdom of heaven is near.

4. What 4 things were they to do and how? v.8

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.

5. What were they first not to take? v.9

Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts

6. What also were they not to take and why? v.10

take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.

B. Think:

1. Why do you think Jesus prescribed their listeners?

2. How were they to justify their message?

3. How were they to look for support?

C. Comment:

We now come to the practical principles that Jesus laid down for the apostles on this first trip out on their own. First of all they were to go to the prepared people, the people of Israel because as we have already seen they were in great need and were open to the message. Principle number one: look for the people God has prepared !

Next they were to proclaim the rule of God and then demonstrate it by bringing healing and deliverance. Principle number two: our ministry is to be twofold, word AND deed , as lead by the Holy Spirit to do the same works as Jesus.

Finally they did not need to take along great financial or material support for they were to look to those who were blessed to provide for them. Principle number three : support for ministry should come from those on the receiving end of it.

Note also in the midst of this Jesus' simple word, “Freely you have received, freely give”. This is a real principle of grace. He is saying, look, you didn't earn the blessings you have received so don't expect others to earn them either. Just give in the same way you have received - generously and without restraint. Watch how Jesus healed ALL who came to him. You give out in the same way!

D. Application:

1. Do we see WHO God is preparing for us to speak to?

2. Can we give as generously as we have received?

Chapter: Matthew 10

Passage: Matthew 10:11-16

A. Find Out:

1. For whom were they to search and why? v.11

Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave.

2. What were they to do as they enter his home? v.12

As you enter the home, give it your greeting.

3. What might they find about the home? v.13

If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.

4. How are they to respond if they are rejected? v.14

If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.

5. To where does Jesus compare such a town? v.15

I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

6. How does he describe their going and what advice does he give? v.16

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

B. Think:

1. How were the apostles able to bless a house?

2. How were they to handle rejection?

3. Of what were they to be aware as they went?

C. Comment:

From general instructions about their task, Jesus moves on to instruct the apostles how they were to proceed in practical terms. He recognised first of all that wherever they went they would need a base. Therefore, he says, go looking for a good home from which to work. As you go to a house offer them the usual greeting, “Peace be with you”. If it is a good home they will welcome you and your greeting will become a blessing. If they reject you, don't worry, just leave them.

In fact just release yourself from any contact with that town when you leave, if they reject you (shake dust off your feet), don't hold onto any feelings about the place. Because they have rejected God's emissaries they will be liable for judgement on the day when God does a sorting out, so don't get upset about your rejection (implied in what he is saying).

Finally he gives them a general warning. You are going out in weakness in a hard world (like sheep among wolves) so be wise as to the way you act and naively innocent or guileless in the way you approach people and live, avoiding entering into any kind of evil. The servant of God needs this combination: wisdom and carefulness, and an open honesty.

D. Application:

1. When we seek to share the Gospel, look for those who are open and

welcoming and bless them with it.

2. At all times be wise but innocent.

Chapter: Matthew 10

Passage: Matthew 10:17-20

A. Find Out:

1. Who will they be handed over to and for what to happen? v.17

Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.

2. Who else will they appear before? v.18a

On my account you will be brought before governors and kings

3. For what purpose? v.18b

as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

4. What is to be their state when arrested? v.19a

But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it

5. Why? v.19b

At that time you will be given what to say,

6. Who will be doing what for them? v.20

for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

B. Think:

1. How has Jesus' instruction taken a subtle turn?

2. How is there a combination of negative and positive in v.17 & 18?

3. How is God still shown to be with them?

C. Comment:

Jesus has spoken previously about what to do when rejected and now he moves on to more positive rejection, that of outright persecution. It WILL come! Sometimes we prefer a quiet, peaceful and comfortable Christianity, but Jesus isn't afraid to present the whole truth: at times it will be tough! Yet even within those times are some positive things.

Yes, there will the hard times when they will be beaten and opposed by the religious authorities. Yes, there will be times when they will be taken before civil authorities, but see that positively, see it as an opportunity to witness. And when that happens don't worry because the Lord will be there and His Holy Spirit will give them the right words to speak.

These words of Jesus were prophetic as well as instructive. Saul caused believers to be beaten (Acts 22:19 ) and subsequently he himself was beaten (2 Cor 11:24 ), and Peter and the other apostles were flogged (Acts 5:40 ). As for appearing before civil authorities, Jesus himself appeared before the governor, Pilate (Mt 27:11), and Paul ended up often before the authorities (Acts 24;1, 24, 25:23) and was clearly a witness to many in authority (Phil 1:7,12-14)

D. Application:

1. Are we willing to take the bad as well as the good for Christ?

2. Even when opposed we can be witnesses to Christ.

Chapter: Matthew 10

Passage: Matthew 10:21-25

A. Find Out:

1. What does Jesus say will happen in families? v.21

Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.

2. Who will hate them and who will be saved? v.22

All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

3. When they are persecuted what are they to do? v.23

When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

4. Who isn't above who? v.24

"A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master

5. What does he further say about these pairs? v.25a

It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.

6. What does he infer about himself and why? v.25b

If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!

B. Think:

1. What is the depth of the persecution Jesus speak about here?

2. What indication was there that he spoke of them in that time?

3. Why, according to Jesus, will the apostles suffer these things?

C. Comment:

Continuing on the theme of persecution Jesus explains that this will even happen in families. Parents will be against their Christian children and children will turn against their Christian parents. Merely because one part of the family is Christian there is no guarantee that others will be so as well. This betrayal will even cause the deaths of believers says Jesus. He knew that each individual has to make their choice and some, even within the same family, would reject him and reject those in the family who follow him.

That part seems a general warning for all history but then comes a warning (v.23) that seems to be just for the apostles. Just move on to the next place when you are opposed and I will come to you before you run out of towns, is what he says. This cannot be a reference to his end time return because Jesus said elsewhere he didn't know when that time was.

Finally he brings another general warning: they persecuted me and so they will persecute you. You are not above me, your teacher and master, indeed the best you can hope for is that you will be like me, so expect them to say and do the same things to you as they have to me!

D. Application:

1. Following Jesus means being prepared to receive rejection and even

persecution, even from those closest to you.

2. When it happens, remember they did it to Him first.

Chapter: Matthew 10

Passage: Matthew 10:26-31

A. Find Out:

1. What does Jesus tell them not to be? v.26,28,31

"So do not be afraid of them. ...Do not be afraid of those who.... So don't be afraid;

2. What is the first reason he gives for it? v.26b

There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known

3. Instead what does he tell them to do? v.27

What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs

4. What is the second reason for it? v.28a

kill the body but cannot kill the soul.

5. Instead what does he tell them to do? v.28b

Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell

6. What is the third reasons for it? v.31,29,30

you are worth more than many sparrows.... Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered

B. Think:

1. Why might the apostles have been afraid because of what Jesus had

been saying previously?

2. How does Jesus meet those fears?

C. Comment:

Jesus understands us. He knows what we feel. He knows our fears about what might happen and he speaks against those fears. Having just told the apostles that persecution will come, he now gives them anchors to hold their faith against the winds of possible fear.

First, he says don't be afraid because you are a minority with a minority message. The truth about all men WILL be revealed and so don't be afraid to speak the gospel out now.

Second, he says don't be afraid because of what might happen to you physically. Yes these things may happen to some but keep it all in perspective. People can only kill your body, but the rest of you will continue on into heaven. God can destroy the rest of you as well as the body if you don't follow Jesus, so persevere, your salvation is far more important than your bodily concerns.

Finally, he says don't be afraid that you will not be looked after. God watches over the sparrows and he knows every minute detail about you, so rest in His love. Know that His eye is upon you, and He will only allow as much as suits His purposes for you.

D. Application:

1. Yes, persecution may come but keep it in perspective.

2. Remember, the Gospel is still the truth, God is still the judge of all men

in eternity, and He will guard you and provide for you in all things to

enable you to walk according to His will.

Chapter: Matthew 10

Passage: Matthew 10:32-36

A. Find Out:

1. What will Jesus do for whom? v.32

Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.

2. But what else will he do for whom? v.33

But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

3. What didn't he come to bring and what did he come to bring? v.34

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

4. Who would turn against whom? v.35

For I have come to turn " `a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law

5. A man's enemies will be who? v36

a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'

B. Think:

1. What strong and hard principle does Jesus first state?

2. What is the second hard principle he states?

3. Why will this be?

C. Comment:

What we say on our lips IS important. Salvation, according to Paul comes first with the confession of the lips (Rom 10:9). Similarly here Jesus declares it is the person who confesses Jesus who will receive the Father's blessing. The “whoever disowns” must mean “and goes on disowning” for the apostle Peter failed Jesus at just this point (see Matt 26:69-75) and yet went on to be commissioned by Jesus and used greatly.

So often we think that becoming a Christian is the end of our problems but in fact it can be the start of them. For many, being the only Christian in a family is really hard, and the family often do NOT accept that believer's beliefs but deride them. Jesus was quite open and “up front” about these things. He knew that becoming a Christian often brought division into a family. The persecution he spoke about earlier can actually come from within your own family.

If we are in this position we should first of all recognise this reality and seek for God's grace to cope with it well, but we should also remember that merely because someone opposes the Gospel now, it doesn't mean that it will always be like that. The example of the apostle Paul should bring hope to us that God can bring even the hardest opposition to heel! Pray for those who persecute you said Jesus. (Luke 6:28)

D. Application:

1. Opposition does sometimes come from those closest to you.

2. Pray for them. Be positive, live in hope!

Chapter: Matthew 10

Passage: Matthew 10:37-42

A. Find Out:

1. What two groups of people are not worthy of Jesus? v.37

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

2. What further group is not worthy of him? v.38

anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

3. Who will truly find his life? v.39

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

4. Who does the person who receives Jesus also receive? v.40

He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.

5. What will you receive if you receive a prophet / righteous man? v.41

Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward.

6. And what about one who gives to one of Jesus' disciples? v.42

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.”

B. Think:

1. How is this first about prior claims in life?

2. How is it then about true fulfilment in life?

3. How is it also about hidden rewards?

C. Comment:

As Jesus comes to the end of this teaching about how to go out and what to expect, he deals first with the question of ultimate loyalty. To be a follower of Jesus means that we put Jesus before anyone else - before our parents, or before our children. NO ONE must have a claim on our lives before Jesus! Indeed we must consider that not only have we given up love for others to love Jesus, but we have given up life itself to follow him.

Now at that point Jesus must have read his disciples' minds so perhaps they were thinking, “Isn't this extreme! What is the point of living then?” Look, says Jesus, I'm not asking you to totally give up on life, I'm simply asking you to get your priorities right. If you desperately try to hang onto your self-rule of life, life will become meaningless, but if you give up your claims to your life, you will suddenly find real meaning to life. It will suddenly come alive for you!

Finally he touches on what happens when we receive him or his representatives: we will also be receiving the Father in heaven and we will also receive the blessing that comes to those who receive the servants of God. This has been true throughout the Bible: receive God's servant and you receive God's blessing. Think on that one!

D. Application:

1. Lose all for Jesus - and you gain everything! Strange but true!

2. Receive God's servant and you receive the Lord and His blessing!

RECAP: Preparing the Workers - Matthew 10

SUMMARY :

In this third group of 8 studies we have seen Jesus :

- calling, sending & equipping the twelve apostles

- teaching them specifically:

  - what to do: preach the kingdom and verify it

  - to choose good homes to settle in

  - to accept rejection and not worry about it

  - to expect opposition

  - to know that their Father watches over them

- teaching generally that:

  - the Gospel will divide families

  - following him requires new priorities in life

COMMENT :

In this chapter we have seen Jesus' instructions to the apostles as he sends them out on their own for the first time. It is a passage that requires rereading in the light of the comfortable lives we like to live as Christians at the end of the twentieth century. Possibly some readjustment in thinking is necessary!

LESSONS?

1. THE Message is that God wants to come and reign

2. We are to look to see where He is moving and go with that

3. We are to expect opposition and even outright persecution

4. In the face of it all we are to look to God for His help

5. When we give up our lives for Him we find real life.

PRAY :

Ask the Lord to help you reassess your outlook as a Christian and to help you be the servant Jesus is referring to in this chapter.

PART 4 : "Confirming the Calling"

In this next Part we will see Jesus confirming his calling for the sake of John the Baptist who is in prison. He then confirms who John was and compares his own ministry to him and upbraids those cities who had not received him. Powerful stuff!