Matthew 10
Today's Passage: Matthew 10
As we read Matthew 10, we see Jesus calling the twelve apostles. Although the apostles were a special group—who physically walked with Jesus during his life—we can relate to some of their experiences, which stand out in this passage today.
First, the apostles were sent out to proclaim the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Likewise, we have the Great Commission (Matt 28:19) to be sent out ones. The circumstances of the apostles were different. Our message isn’t exclusively to the Jewish people, however, as Paul illustrated in Romans 1:16, there was a Jewish priority for the gospel message. Now, that message is available to all people in all places. It is our divine obligation to taking it or help others take it to the furthest corners—which considering this was written around Jerusalem—also includes your work and neighborhood.
Second, Jesus told them, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” I love the phrase, “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” It’s such a vivid picture of how we are to move about this world. Although Jesus told the apostles what would happen specifically in this passage, we too face danger in proclaiming Christ. People lose jobs, family members, children, and much more when they live sold out for Jesus. The key to navigating in the Enemy’s territory is both wisdom and innocence.
Third, Jesus said, “Have no fear of them.” One of the main reasons people don’t share is because they're afraid. They’re afraid of what others will think. They’re afraid the other person will think they’re judgey. They’re afraid they won’t know the right answers and will look dumb. Jesus warned us not to fear people at all—“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” You think that got the apostles’ attention? Death is not the worst fate of a person, there is much much worse. Although we should not be motivated primarily by fear, our fear should be correctly placed.
Fourth, Jesus said, “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Hopefully, it’s sinking in that what Jesus asked His apostles, what He asks of you and me, is far more D-Day than Woodstock. As I heard a former ministry leader say several times of his missionaries, “I want them to run at Hell with a squirt gun.”
Finally, Jesus said to the apostles, “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.” What we have in the pages of Scripture is the testimony of the very men standing before Jesus in Matthew 10. In receiving the message of the apostles, we receive Christ Himself—and through that, we receive an imperishable reward.
What stand out to you in this passage? What challenges you, frightens or sobers you, as you think about living out your Christian faith publicly?
Written By: Tyler Short
As we read Matthew 10, we see Jesus calling the twelve apostles. Although the apostles were a special group—who physically walked with Jesus during his life—we can relate to some of their experiences, which stand out in this passage today.
First, the apostles were sent out to proclaim the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Likewise, we have the Great Commission (Matt 28:19) to be sent out ones. The circumstances of the apostles were different. Our message isn’t exclusively to the Jewish people, however, as Paul illustrated in Romans 1:16, there was a Jewish priority for the gospel message. Now, that message is available to all people in all places. It is our divine obligation to taking it or help others take it to the furthest corners—which considering this was written around Jerusalem—also includes your work and neighborhood.
Second, Jesus told them, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” I love the phrase, “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” It’s such a vivid picture of how we are to move about this world. Although Jesus told the apostles what would happen specifically in this passage, we too face danger in proclaiming Christ. People lose jobs, family members, children, and much more when they live sold out for Jesus. The key to navigating in the Enemy’s territory is both wisdom and innocence.
Third, Jesus said, “Have no fear of them.” One of the main reasons people don’t share is because they're afraid. They’re afraid of what others will think. They’re afraid the other person will think they’re judgey. They’re afraid they won’t know the right answers and will look dumb. Jesus warned us not to fear people at all—“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” You think that got the apostles’ attention? Death is not the worst fate of a person, there is much much worse. Although we should not be motivated primarily by fear, our fear should be correctly placed.
Fourth, Jesus said, “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Hopefully, it’s sinking in that what Jesus asked His apostles, what He asks of you and me, is far more D-Day than Woodstock. As I heard a former ministry leader say several times of his missionaries, “I want them to run at Hell with a squirt gun.”
Finally, Jesus said to the apostles, “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.” What we have in the pages of Scripture is the testimony of the very men standing before Jesus in Matthew 10. In receiving the message of the apostles, we receive Christ Himself—and through that, we receive an imperishable reward.
What stand out to you in this passage? What challenges you, frightens or sobers you, as you think about living out your Christian faith publicly?
Written By: Tyler Short
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