A. Twelve disciples chosen and commissioned.
1. (Matthew 10:1-4) The twelve disciples are listed.
[Matthew 10:1 ESV] And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.
2. (Matthew 10:5-6) Where they are to go: unto Israel (the Jewish people) only.
[Matthew 10:5-6 ESV] These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
[Isaiah 53:6 ESV] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
[Jeremiah 50:6 ESV] “My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray, turning them away on the mountains. From mountain to hill they have gone. They have forgotten their fold.
[Matthew 15:24 ESV] He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
[Matthew 21:43 ESV] Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.
[Acts 3:26 ESV] God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”
[Romans 1:16 ESV] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
[Romans 11:28 ESV] As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.
[Romans 15:8 ESV] For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs,
[1 Peter 2:25 ESV] For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
God’s intention was to reach the whole world, but beginning with Israel. There was certainly enough work to do among the lost sheep of the house of Israel to keep the twelve busy until God directly commanded them to expand their ministry.
3. (Matthew 10:7-8a) What they are to do: go out preaching and healing.
4. (Matthew 10:8b-15) How they were to provide for themselves.
B. Jesus prepares the disciples for persecution.
1. (Matthew 10:16-18) Persecution will come.
2. (Matthew 10:19-20) When Jesus’ disciples are brought before rulers, God will defend and speak for them.
[Matthew 10:19-20 ESV] When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
3. (Matthew 10:21-23) The extent of persecution: even among families, from city to city.
[Matthew 10:23 ESV] When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
It is better to is see His “coming” in this passage as His coming in judgment upon Judea in AD 70 which did happen before the gospel came to every city in Israel.
4. (Matthew 10:24-25) Why Jesus’ disciples must expect persecution.
[Matthew 10:24-25 ESV] “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. Off
5. (Matthew 10:26-31) Even in the midst of persecution, Jesus’ disciples should not fear, but be bold in their proclamation of the gospel.
[Matthew 10:29-31 ESV] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
6. (Matthew 10:32-39) The attitude Jesus’ disciples must be equipped with.
[Matthew 10:32 ESV] So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven,
[Matthew 10:37-39 ESV] Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
7. (Matthew 10:40-42) The reward due to those who, in contrast to the persecutors, receive the disciples of Jesus.
[Matthew 10:40 ESV] “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.
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