Introduction
In Jesus sends the twelve, we witness Jesus commissioning His twelve disciples to go out and proclaim the message of the kingdom. This chapter provides crucial insights into the mission of the disciples, the authority Jesus grants them, and the challenges they are likely to face. Through His instructions, Jesus prepares His followers for a life of service, faith, and dependence on God.
Jesus begins by calling His twelve disciples and giving them authority “to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness” (Matthew 10:1). The names of the twelve apostles are listed, including Peter, James, John, and Matthew. These men were chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and to carry on His mission of spreading the good news.
Instructions for the Mission
Jesus gives specific instructions as He sends the twelve on their mission: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 10:5-6). At this stage of His ministry, Jesus focuses the disciples’ efforts on the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to God’s chosen people first. He tells them, “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:7-8).
These instructions highlight the dual nature of the disciples’ mission—to proclaim the kingdom of heaven and to demonstrate God’s power through acts of healing and deliverance. Jesus empowers them to perform miracles, showing that the message of the kingdom is not just about words but about tangible expressions of God’s love and power.
Dependence on God
An important aspect of Jesus sends the twelve is the emphasis on dependence on God. Jesus instructs the disciples, “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep” (Matthew 10:9-10). By sending them without extra provisions, Jesus teaches His disciples to trust in God’s provision and to rely on the hospitality of those they encounter.
This reliance on God is a key lesson for the disciples. They are called to focus on their mission without being weighed down by material concerns. Jesus assures them that their needs will be met as they carry out His work, emphasizing that those who receive them will also receive God’s blessing.
Facing Persecution
Jesus does not shy away from warning His disciples about the challenges they will face. “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). He prepares them for the reality of persecution, telling them that they will be handed over to local councils, flogged in synagogues, and brought before governors and kings because of Him (Matthew 10:17-18). Despite these challenges, Jesus encourages them not to worry about what to say, for “it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matthew 10:20).
The promise of the Holy Spirit’s guidance is a source of comfort and strength for the disciples. Jesus reassures them that they are not alone in their mission; God is with them, providing the words and wisdom they need in times of trial. This reliance on the Holy Spirit is essential for the disciples as they navigate the challenges of proclaiming the gospel in a hostile world.
The Cost of Discipleship
Another key aspect of Jesus sends the twelve is the cost of discipleship. Jesus makes it clear that following Him will not be easy and that it will require sacrifice. “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:21-22). Jesus’ words emphasize the reality that discipleship may lead to division, even within families, and that His followers must be prepared to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel.
Jesus also speaks about the importance of prioritizing Him above all else. “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37-38). These powerful words underscore the radical commitment required to be a disciple of Jesus. He calls His followers to place their allegiance to Him above all other relationships and to be willing to bear the cost of following Him.
Rewards for Receiving the Disciples
Despite the challenges, Jesus also speaks of the rewards for those who receive the disciples and support their mission. “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me” (Matthew 10:40). Jesus makes it clear that those who receive His messengers are, in fact, receiving Him. He goes on to say, “Anyone who welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward” (Matthew 10:41). By supporting the disciples, people are participating in their mission and will be blessed accordingly.
Jesus concludes by saying, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward” (Matthew 10:42). This statement highlights the importance of even small acts of kindness and hospitality. Every act of support for Jesus’ followers is seen and valued by God, and it will be rewarded.
The Importance of Perseverance
In Jesus sends the twelve, we also see the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Jesus makes it clear that His disciples will face rejection and persecution, but He encourages them to remain steadfast. “When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another” (Matthew 10:23). Jesus does not call His followers to seek out persecution, but He does call them to persevere and continue their mission even when faced with opposition.
Jesus reminds the disciples, “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matthew 10:24). Just as Jesus faced rejection and persecution, so too will His followers. However, He also reassures them, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Jesus calls His disciples to have an eternal perspective, recognizing that their ultimate allegiance is to God, who holds their eternal destiny in His hands.
Trusting in God’s Care
Despite the challenges, Jesus encourages His disciples to trust in God’s care and protection. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31). Jesus assures His disciples that God is intimately aware of their lives and that they are of great value to Him. This assurance of God’s care is meant to give them courage as they face the difficulties of their mission.
Conclusion
Jesus sends the twelve with a mission to proclaim the kingdom of heaven, heal the sick, and demonstrate God’s power. He gives them authority, instructs them to rely on God for their needs, and prepares them for the challenges and persecution they will face. Jesus’ words emphasize the cost of discipleship and the radical commitment required to follow Him. At the same time, He speaks of the rewards for those who receive His disciples and support their mission.
As we reflect on Matthew 10, may we be inspired to embrace the call to discipleship with courage and faith. Let us trust in God’s provision, rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and be willing to bear the cost of following Jesus. May we also be encouraged to support and welcome those who are carrying out the work of the kingdom, knowing that even the smallest acts of kindness are seen and valued by God.
The mission Jesus gave to His disciples in Matthew 10 is a powerful reminder that following Him involves both challenges and blessings. It requires a willingness to step out in faith, to trust in God’s provision, and to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel. But it also comes with the promise of God’s presence, His guidance, and the eternal rewards that come from being faithful to His calling. Let us be inspired by the example of the twelve and commit ourselves to the mission of making Jesus known, no matter the cost.
