Matthew 10 - 7.10.26

Scripture: Matthew 10:5-13

5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

9 “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— 10 no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.

Observation: 

The disciples have been watching Jesus heal the sick and do other miracles.  Now, he is sending them out on their own to do as He has done.  They were told not to bring any money to fund their journey or spare clothing.  Jesus encouraged them to give what they have received.  They are to go proclaiming that the Kingdom of Heaven has come and do miracles.  When they entered a town and lodging at a home of a person worthy, those who live there would receive a blessing of peace.

This was a huge endeavor for the disciples.  They needed to go out with a bold amount of faith.  Until this point there is no record of them doing miracles. Jesus was pushing them out into the fire. Sometimes it takes getting out of our comfort zone to have the miraculous flow through us.

Application: 

It is easy to think you are not supposed to go out on a journey, mission trip, or other faith challenging mission until we have enough money and other supplies we need.  Jesus had the disciples go out with just the clothes on their backs.  He told them to freely give as they have received.  I need to remember this when I feel God nudging to do something.  He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. 

Also, to train those who I am working with in ministry and then challenge them to go out with a partner on their own.  We heard a great teaching at the Pacific Region Conference on how to train a disciple.  Have the person you are discipling watch you do the task, then talk about it.  You do with them helping, talk about it.  They do, with your help and talk about it.  They do on their own.  Talk about it.  We discussed the key we often forget is the “talk about it part”. Jesus made disciples we are to follow His example.

Prayer:

Father God,

Thank you that your heart is to equip us to do the work you’ve done.  Help me to follow your example to step out in faith as you instructed the disciples.  I need to trust you more for your provision.  Also, may you work through me to follow your example of training and sending out others.  Please keep my eyes open for opportunities.  I know the key is listening to you and going where you lead me.  Thank you for your example and provision.  May I give to others as you have given me.  Amen

- Cindy Howard