Back to the Bible: Matthew 10:5-25

Jesus sent the apostles on what is called the “Limited Commission.” They were to go to the lost sheep of the house of  Israel, not to the Gentiles or Samaritans (remember 9:36). They were to carry on Jesus’ work of teaching and healing. They were not to try to make money with their work. They had freely received the power, so they were to give freely. Jesus told them to travel light and be ready to go. They were to be provided food as they journeyed. These were special instructions for the moment. Later journey’s would require preparation and financial support (see I Cor. 9:1-18).

They needed to find people “worthy” to stay with. A worthy house received peace. An unworthy house wouldn’t. Worthiness was not determined by the house’s comfort, but  by its response to the apostle’s preaching. If a house or town did not listen, the apostle was to leave and shake the dust off their feet– a sign of rejection. At judgment it would be better for Sodom and Gomorrah than for a town that rejected the apostles.

But, the apostles needed to anticipate rejection– and worse. Jesus previews what they’d experience in the short and long term.
They were sheep in the middle of wolves. So, they needed to be snake-like wisdom and dove-like innocence. They’d be dragged before courts and officials and beaten. But, Jesus promised that the Spirit would give them the words to speak.

This would even bring divisions within families. The apostles would be hated. But, endurance to the end promised salvation.

They needed to engage as many cities as possible before Jesus’ coming.  (I take it that He is referencing Dan. 7:13-14 regarding  the establishment of His kingdom (see v. 7  and 16:28). Rejection was a signal to move on.

Disciples and servants get what their teacher and master got.  They called Jesus “Beelzebul” (a name for Satan). They’d do the same and worse to those who follow Him.

Lessons to Learn:

Reception of the apostles reflected reception of Jesus. Rejection of the apostles reflected rejection of Jesus. To reject their words puts us in a dreadful position in view of judgment. It would be worse for them than for Sodom and Gomorrah because they had the miracles and teachings right there in front of them and they still rejected it!

The apostles knew suffering was coming. The apostles followed Jesus and taught His word even though there was no promise of earthly gain and warnings of suffering. That speaks to their commitment to the authenticity of their message. It was no “get rich” scheme. Seeing the way the apostles will suffer in their labor should make us consider their words carefully.

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