Scripture: 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. And proclaim as you go, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.
Matthew 10:5-8a ESV
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Observation: Recapping Friday’s Daily Focus, Jesus commissions his Twelve to expand his work regarding casting out evil spirits and healing those afflicted with diseases and afflictions. Matthew lists the Twelve in order as follows:
- The brothers Simon Peter and Andrew
- The brothers James and John (sons of Zebedee)
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- Thomas
- Matthew (i.e., himself a tax collector)
- James (the son of Apheaus)
- Thaddaeus
- Simon (the Zealot)
- Judas Iscariot (the betrayer)
Mark (3:16-19), Luke (6:13-16), and Acts (1:13) also provide a list of Jesus’ disciples. While all authors initially list Peter, James, John, and Andrew, they vary in the order of the remaining apostles.
For today’s reading, having commissioned his Twelve for the good works of kingdom building, Jesus sends them out for a trial run, but not before providing thorough instruction regarding:
- The goal (10:5-8a)
- How to conduct themselves (10:8b-15)
- Warnings of persecution (10:16-18, 21-22a)
- The assurance of the Father’s soul care (10:19-20, 22b-33)
- The call to fellowship in his suffering (10:34-39)
- The rewards for persevering (10:40-42)
Here, we will examine the first element of the above outline, the goal, and cover the remaining five in the next five devotions to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of Christ’s instructions.
As cited above, the goal is to restore people’s lives to shalom well-being. Where the fall of humankind marred fellowship with God, Christ’s inauguration of the New Covenant redeems the ill effects of sin. So, like Jesus, his disciples will heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. As people witness these miraculous signs, the Twelve must proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, meaning it is near to them through the salvific work of the incarnate Son of God. Their target group is fellow Israelites. So Jesus tells them to stay away from all other ethnic groups (Gentiles and those who have intermarried with Gentiles, i.e., Samaritans).
Contextual note: This passage parallels elements found in Mark 6:8-11, Luke 9:3-5, and Luke 10:5-15.
Takeaway: As Matthew reports, Jesus wants his disciples for this trial run to focus on fellow Jews. The scope will expand after Christ’s resurrection to include all nations (Matthew 28:18-19). Meanwhile, it stands to reason that his disciples will fare better with those who share the same cultural morés in these early days. They would be more at risk of miscommunicating and being misunderstood by those from other ethnic backgrounds. But as they mature in their faith and rely more on the Holy Spirit, they will obey the Lord’s Great Commission and expand his kingdom throughout the developed regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Our takeaway? In today’s social climate, some might take offense to Jesus instructing his disciples to preach to those they heal, reasoning that when we assist vulnerable people, we should not impose our religious beliefs on them. While this may have merit, depending on the auspices under which we operate or the individuals we serve, the Christian church must not shy away from extending the love of Christ through outreach with our message of hope. The issue is not whether we should share the good news but how. If we communicate the Gospel with humility and love without passing judgment, our invitation will instill hope. And even if others take offense, we can read their cues and save the rest of our message for another day. Indeed, as Peter tells the church, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (1 Peter 3:14-16 ESV).
Our part? First, avoid imposing our twenty-first-century perspectives onto Scripture. In particular, when we read of Christ forbidding his disciples to mix with Gentiles and Samaritans, we might interpret his words as encouraging racial discrimination. Second, follow a similar protocol of easing into evangelism and discipleship with those of a similar cultural background. Third, be open to wherever the Holy Spirit leads. Our Good News is for everyone because it promises forgiveness, redemption, and a future in our glorious, eternal, heavenly kingdom with our beloved Lord and Savior.
In sum, regardless of whether we reach out to a neighbor or a foreigner, we must discern when and how to share our message. Thankfully, as we tune in to the Holy Spirit, he will steer us, guide our words, and produce the desired results. So, adhere to Peter’s exhortation and share your hope fearlessly with gentleness and respect.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son, our source of eternal love and hope, and your Holy Spirit, who guides us in all your Son’s ways. So, please help us discern and obey the Holy Spirit’s lead in fearlessly sharing our hope with a lost world that desperately needs Good News. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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