Imagine being handpicked by Jesus Himself, given the authority to heal, cast out demons, and proclaim good news. This is the thrilling invitation offered to the twelve disciples in Matthew 10, setting the stage for a mission that would change lives.
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.
>
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;
>
3 Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus;
>
4 Simon the Canaanite; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
>
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.
>
6 Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
>
7 As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’
>
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.
>
9 Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts.
>
10 Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
>
11 Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy; and stay there until you go on.
>
12 As you enter into the household, greet it.
>
13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you.
>
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.
>
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.
>
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
>
17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
>
18 Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.
>
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.
>
20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
>
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.
>
22 You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
>
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.
>
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.
>
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!
>
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.
>
27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.
>
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.
>
29 “Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father’s will,
>
30 but the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
>
31 Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
>
32 Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven.
>
33 But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.
>
34 “Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword.
>
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.
>
36 A man’s foes will be those of his own household.
>
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.
>
38 He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me, isn’t worthy of me.
>
39 He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.
>
40 He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me.
>
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.
>
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 Matthew 10, Jesus calls His twelve disciples and gives them authority over unclean spirits and the power to heal diseases. The disciples are named, including familiar figures like Peter, Andrew, and Matthew, the tax collector. Jesus sends them on a mission primarily to the Israelites, instructing them to preach that 'The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!' He emphasizes their power to heal and stresses that they should take nothing for their journey - no money, no extra clothes - because they would be provided for by those who welcomed them.
Guidance for the Journey
Jesus provides clear instructions: when entering a city, they should seek out worthy households to stay in and greet them with peace. If they are not welcomed, they should shake the dust off their feet as a sign and move on. He warns them about the challenges they will face, including persecution and betrayal, even from their own families. The disciples are to be wise yet innocent, like sheep among wolves, prepared for the trials ahead.
Assurance Amidst Fear
Despite the daunting road, Jesus reassures them not to fear. They are of great value to God, and even the sparrows can't fall without His knowledge. He encourages them to boldly confess Him before others, promising that their faithfulness will be acknowledged in heaven. The chapter concludes with a powerful reflection on the cost of discipleship, emphasizing that true followers must prioritize their allegiance to Him above all else.
Why It Matters
Embracing Our Mission
Matthew 10 is a call to the mission of every believer. Just as the disciples were sent out with authority, we too are invited to make a difference in our communities. The message remains relevant - there is healing to be done and hope to share.
Courage in the Face of Challenges
Jesus makes it clear that following Him may bring challenges, including rejection and family strife. Yet, He empowers us with His Spirit, encouraging us not to fear those who oppose us. Instead, we find confidence in knowing we are valued and protected by God.
The Importance of Community
The chapter also highlights the importance of community and hospitality in our mission. Finding support and encouragement among fellow believers strengthens our journey. If you're looking for a church community to connect with, consider using Sancta to find a church near you where you can grow in faith and service alongside others.
Living the Call
Ultimately, Matthew 10 challenges us to examine our priorities and commitment to our faith. Are we willing to take up our cross and follow Jesus, trusting in His provision and purpose for our lives?
Coming Up Next: Matthew 11
As we continue our journey through the New Testament, the next chapter brings us deeper into Jesus' teachings and the invitations He offers to those weary and burdened. Don't miss the rich insights that await in Matthew 11!