Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 | Author: Chris
When we read Matthew 10, we learn a lot about what it means to go and make disciples. What are some of the things you learned from Jesus’ instructions to His disciples?
Notice that He is addressing their concerns and their apprehensions about carrying out this mission. What were some of their fears? What were some reasons they didn’t want to do this?
What does this look like today?
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Wednesday, 10. March 2010
Jesus tells them where to go, what to do, and what to bring. Also how to go about it.
The warnings were many and not fun sounding. He tells them not to be afraid. Lets them know that the Holy Spirit will be doing the talking. The family divide that is foretold is pretty radical stuff.
Today it looks different, yet I do see the Holy Spirit providing effectively.
Wednesday, 10. March 2010
Things that strike me are how intentionally dependent Jesus makes his disciples on trusting God for their provision, and how clearly he lets them know that they should expect vicious opposition.
I’ve always wondered how it must have sounded for Jesus to speak of taking up one’s cross and following him before the crucifixion happened. It must have sounded like absolute madness.
Wednesday, 10. March 2010
Jesus made it clear that they had HIS authority. They could do nothing without Him and anything with Him. It is a tough thing to trust God for everything and know you really don’t have to worry about the details.
The disciples were worried about the details food clothing shelter. They were also worried about persecution and afraid of being killed! They were also afraid of messing up, saying the wrong thing. Jesus addressed all of these worries.
Today when Jesus sends us out weather on a missions trip or into our everyday world, the Holy Spirit is with us to help us, guide us, teach us and correct us. If we are doing what God has called us to do, He will be sure to equip us to do it.
Wednesday, 10. March 2010
I agree with Cecile. God would never give us something that we couldn’t do. He calls us to go to the sick and the lost sheep and not to remain in the comfort of our own home. Guys, we have to reach out to people and bring them to know Christ. A lot of us know what that is like, and it feels like the most wonderful feeling in the world. What if the whole world felt that? What if they knew what that would feel like. You don’t see too many infomercials selling that.
The Kingdom is at hand people. I feel that now more than ever we have to rise to the call. Everyone who has given their lives to Christ has a responsibility to reach out to those who need Him, but don’t yet know Him. I’ve seen this church do great things and I know that there will be many more.
There are people suffering out there, people who don’t have anyone. People who kill themselves because they feel as though there is no where else to go. People who do things they don’t want to because they don’t know any better or because they don’t have anyone to love them. People like you and me. Jesus calls us to help and to love all people. Let’s show them what we can do. If you just have the faith of a mustard seed you will be able to accomplish anything.
Peace
Wednesday, 10. March 2010
Verses 26-27 emphasis on “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
This part really struck me. It’s so clear cut and full of ambition. We really need to put off our doubts and worries in what people might say or do to us, and just get out there and share the gospel with people. If we had a group who were ambitious and passionate about sharing the gospel in a relevant way, think how many people we could bring to the church?
Thursday, 11. March 2010
I think this has application to us, but I’d be careful to interpret this passage in it’s historical context.
1) Jesus tells them NOT to go to the Gentiles and Samaritans, only to Jews. This obviously doesn’t apply to us today.
2) Many Theologians such as Thomas Schreiner argue that the Bible has an “already/not yet” Theology. The way that I understand this is that the Kingdom of God has already broken into this “present evil age” (Galatians 1:4) because Jesus and the Spirit have broken in. But, the world will more obviously reflect God’s rulership in the future after Jesus returns.
Interestingly enough, Jesus seems to be prophesying of the future Apostolic ministry (or maybe Church ministry) in certain parts of this chapter while telling them about their more immediate ministry to the Jews only. Otherwise, why would He say, “But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.”
If anyone has any thoughts about the “already/not yet” subject that I brought up, I’d like to hear it.
Thursday, 11. March 2010
How powerful is verse 28 that says “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
So many times we are afraid to speak up, but there are many that suffered for Christ and even gave their life, but wow I wouldn’t mind losing this life for Christ when I would get to spend eternity with him.