One thing that fascinates me about Jesus’ followers is the vast number who remain unnamed. For instance, Matthew writes his gospel for a specific church community, yet we never encounter the names of any individual members.
Jesus had a multitude of followers, but many of Jesus’ closest followers are mentioned only one time. .
In our modern world, we often prioritize recognition and credit. However, at that time, the emphasis was solely on bringing attention to Jesus and his teachings.
While Matthew 10.1-4 does begin by listing Jesus’ followers, it’s noteworthy that most of them disappear from the narrative afterward. One disciple identified is a zealot, a modern-day terrorist.
Judas Iscariot is the last follower named in the chapter, and aside from Peter, he receives the most mentions throughout the Gospel.
Chapter 10 marks the first appearance of the term “apostle” when Jesus designates twelve followers as such. “Apostle” literally translates to “one who is sent out.” This designation signifies both a position and a function.
As apostles, these individuals hold a place of closeness to Jesus, but their primary role lies in carrying out his ministry – preaching, teaching, and healing – by being sent out to spread his message.
A Test Run
When Jesus first called his disciples, who were fishermen by trade, he told them they would no longer be catching fish in the traditional sense, but would instead be “fishers of people” (Matthew 4.19).
This call now finds its fulfillment as Jesus prepares to extend his ministry to a wider audience.
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not take a road leading to gentiles, and do not enter a Samaritan town, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
“As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near'” (Matthew 10.5-7).
God’s call to Abraham was that he would be a blessing to all of the earth, but Abraham was also to be blessed (Genesis 12.1-3).
Jesus’ instructions to go only to the house of Israel fulfill the first part of that saying. The blessing is to come to Israel, and then it will widen out to the rest of the world.
The good news that the disciples were to proclaim was that the kingdom of God had arrived on earth.
The earth was no longer to be ruled by tyrants and overlords who oppress the people, but rather it was under new management. God’s kingdom not only changes the human situation but also the human heart.
The Healing Ministry
Traditionally, kings were expected to serve the people they ruled. However, throughout history, most human rulers have instead used their authority for personal gain.
In contrast, Jesus embodied the true purpose of leadership. He used the authority of God’s kingdom not for his own benefit, but to heal and bless those around him.
This selfless approach extended to his disciples, who were empowered to do the same – to bring healing and blessings to everyone they encountered.
“Cure the sick; raise the dead; cleanse those with a skin disease; cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment” (Matthew 10.8).
Depend on God
The twelve were to travel very light to show their dependence upon God.
“Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff, for laborers, deserve their food” (Matthew 10.9-10).
The specific instructions Jesus gave the Twelve were not meant to be permanent guidelines for their entire ministry. As circumstances changed, so did their practices.
However, the core principle of dependence on God remained constant throughout their journey.
Similarly, if we hope to effectively demonstrate the arrival of God’s kingdom to the world, we must operate in alignment with God’s will and draw upon His power.
Hospitality and God’s Mission
One key instruction Jesus gave his disciples resonates with missionary practices today. He advised them to “stay in a house” (verse 11) upon entering a new town, essentially seeking a welcoming host.
This strategy provided a base of operations from which they could offer their ministry. In essence, Jesus established a model of hospitality-based outreach that missionaries have effectively followed for centuries.
“Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it.
“If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town” (Matthew 10.11-14).
This peace signifies God’s love and blessings. Just as a refused greeting goes unreturned, God’s love cannot be forced upon someone.
We are also called to extend this offer freely. The choice to receive it lies with the recipient, and those who reject it do so to their loss.
Then and Now
The account of Jesus sending out the Twelve provides valuable lessons for us today.
It emphasizes that Jesus calls us to himself, and then equips us to spread the message that God’s kingdom is present on earth.
We undertake this mission in complete dependence on him. While we may not be expected to travel with minimal provisions like the Twelve, we are certainly called to rely on God’s guidance and support.
Jesus’ instruction to seek welcoming hosts (verse 11) resonates with the importance of finding a base of operations, especially in a missionary setting.
These welcoming individuals become launching points from which we can reach others and ultimately bring glory to God.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 