Earlier in this chapter of Matthew (which goes hand-in-hand with our two part teaching in Luke 10), Jesus first gave the twelve apostles His authority over unclean spirits, diseases, and sicknesses (Matthew 10.1). With this equipping of authority in His name, He then instructs them to go first to the Jewish people--or as He puts it, “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10.6). The ones who know not of Christ.

Here, it is the apostles being called to a brief survey of the land of Israel. As we continue to see Jesus’ ministry become more known, the disciples are equipped themselves by Jesus to go out and reveal it city by city. Jesus says in vv. 7-8, “proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.”

There is an asterisk though...He forewarns His new dedicated and eager disciples that not everyone will like them, and not everyone will accept them, for their Message is bold; but regardless, they must hold themselves to the high standard that they are called to as Christ followers. This involves blessing those that do accept them, and easily/respectfully letting go of the ones who do not. This higher standard is rooted in perseverance, as they are instructed further to not quit if the “numbers” don’t meet their expectations (vv. 14-15), and are bluntly reminded that it will not always be “safe” (vv. 16-20). But not to fear, for they are not on this mission alone.

What a beautiful and exciting mission we see begin to flourish as they learn from Jesus Himself to grow their team through the authority, peace, and opportunity Jesus gave them! And guess what? This same mission is extended to us, each and every day!

[Matthew 10.11-13]

11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What people will the apostles find in these towns and villages they enter?

+ Why do you think Jesus sent them to the Jewish people first, before the Gentile nations?

+ What might Jesus mean by “worthy” and “not worthy?” If this idea challenges you, seek out commentaries or community!

+ “You received without paying; give without pay”--what does this mean?

+ Where are the disciples getting their “peace?” What does this mean for you?

+ Does Jesus care more about the lost sheep’s quality of receiving the coming Good News, or the quantity of those that heard it?

+ Why does Jesus equip the disciples and then send them out to share that “the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand?” Is Jesus setting an example for the rest of the Church down the road?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Does this passage of Scripture, and Downtown Hope’s recent topic of “sentness” challenge my way of thinking of the Church?

+ Who in my life knows not of Christ? Is Jesus sending me to that individual, home, group of people, city, nation?

+ Since I am following Jesus, I am a disciple of Him. Does my life have hints of similarity to even just the 3 verses from today?

+ Do I move easily to the places the Lord calls/sends me to? Or do I not feel equipped to move according to His tug? What resources are available to help me become more equipped to be sent?

+ What opportunities are around me that I can take advantage of to be sent? Even something as simple as to my neighbor’s porch!

+ Is “peace” a big part of my daily life? Do I receive it, give it, and take it accordingly?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Luke 10.2…do I pray earnestly for….

Where the harvest (the lost sheep) is that the Lord is calling me to? And…

Who the laborers (Christian brothers and sisters) are that I am to band together with as I seek out that harvest?