Imagine being handpicked for a life-changing mission by someone you deeply trust. In Matthew 10, Jesus gathers His twelve disciples and empowers them to spread His teachings and heal the sick, setting the stage for their transformative journey.
The Reading: Matthew 10
World English Bible1 He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.
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2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother;
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3 Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus;
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4 Simon the Canaanite; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
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5 Jesus sent these twelve out, and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of the Samaritans.
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6 Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
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7 As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’
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8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.
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9 Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts.
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10 Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
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11 Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy; and stay there until you go on.
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12 As you enter into the household, greet it.
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13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you.
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14 Whoever doesn’t receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.
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15 Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
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16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
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17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
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18 Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.
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19 But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say.
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20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
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21 “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.
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22 You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
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23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man has come.
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24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.
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25 It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!
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26 Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known.
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27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.
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28 Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
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29 “Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father’s will,
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30 but the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
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31 Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
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32 Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven.
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33 But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.
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34 “Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword.
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35 For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
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36 A man’s foes will be those of his own household.
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37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me.
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38 He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me, isn’t worthy of me.
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39 He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.
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40 He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me.
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41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.
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42 Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward.”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
In this chapter, Jesus takes a pivotal step by calling His twelve disciples - men from various walks of life - to take on a mission of healing and preaching. He equips them with authority over unclean spirits and diseases, preparing them to share the message that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
The Twelve Disciples
The names of these twelve apostles are listed, including Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, and the tax collector Matthew. Each disciple is unique, yet all are united in their new role.
The Mission Instructions
Jesus gives them clear instructions: avoid Gentile territories and focus on the lost sheep of Israel. Their mission is to preach, heal, and cast out demons, reminding them that they are to give freely what they have received.
Facing Challenges
Jesus warns the disciples about the challenges they will face - betrayal, persecution, and even hatred from family and society. Yet, He encourages them to rely on the Spirit for guidance in their moments of need. He tells them they are of great value, even more than sparrows, and reassures them not to fear.
A Call to Commitment
In a striking turn, Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship. He tells them that following Him may create conflict even within families. Those who truly want to be His disciples must be willing to take up their crosses and prioritize their commitment to Him above all else. The chapter ends with assurances of rewards for those who receive them and care for even the least among them.
Why It Matters
Embracing Our Mission
Matthew 10 teaches us about the importance of being called into service. Much like the disciples, we are invited to participate in spreading love and kindness in our communities. Whether through acts of service, sharing our faith, or simply being present for others, our mission matters.
Navigating Challenges
The chapter also reminds us that facing challenges is part of the journey. Jesus prepares His followers for the reality of rejection and hardship, yet He emphasizes the importance of perseverance. In our own lives, we might encounter misunderstandings or opposition, but we can take comfort in knowing we are not alone.
Value of Every Person
Finally, Jesus highlights the value of every individual. Each person we meet is precious, and our small acts of kindness, like offering a cup of cold water, can have significant impacts. If you're looking for a way to connect more deeply with your community and discover churches nearby, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. Together, we can create a ripple effect of goodwill and compassion.
Conclusion
Matthew 10 calls us to step out in faith, knowing that our work is valuable and our struggles will bear fruit. Jesus' assurance that we are worth more than many sparrows encourages us to move forward with confidence, ready for whatever lies ahead.
Coming Up Next: Matthew 11
As we continue our journey into Matthew 11, expect to see Jesus interacting with those wrestling with doubt and confusion. Get ready for a powerful message of hope and reassurance.