Day 25: February 21

Matthew 10:1-25

SCRIPTURE
OBSERVATION
Matthew shifts from talking about disciples to calling them apostles (messengers, or ones who are sent). They have the exact same ministry as Jesus: authority over spirits, authority over diseases and sickness, and a mandate to announce the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus tells them to only go to Jewish towns.

Judas, the one who betrays Jesus, is one of the twelve. Not only does Judas see everything amazing Jesus is doing day after day, he also is given the exact same ministry. What on earth happens in his heart and mind so that he turns Jesus over to the men who want to destroy him?

The ministry of the twelve is to:

• Heal the sick
• Raise the dead
• Cleanse lepers
• Throw out evil spirits
• Announce the arrival of the Kingdom
• Bless those who welcome the Kingdom

Just like Jesus, they are to have no budget, no income, no supplies, no hotel reservations, and no luggage. They are to be entirely dependent on the hospitality and generosity of the people they encounter. People who welcome the Kingdom of Heaven will also welcome the disciples/apostles and make sure their needs are met. God will provide.

The next section is a sobering warning of the hardships the disciples/apostles will face. They should expect:

• Public conflict
• Arrest and detention
• Beatings
• Rejection
• Harassment
• Family disownment and betrayal
• Hatred by all
• Execution
• Divine inspiration for their defense before political authorities and the Gentiles
• Running from town to town to escape trouble
• Salvation for those who persevere to the end

“I’m sending you as sheep among wolves”: You are going to be vulnerable prey. Sheep have no defense against wolves. You are going to be eaten alive.

“Therefore, be wise as snakes and innocent as doves.” How wise are snakes? How innocent are doves? What a strange thing to say!

I think Jesus sort of explains it by the two commands he gives next: “Watch out for people,” (be wise) and “Don’t worry about how to speak or what you will say,” (be innocent/childlike). Don’t be naïve or paranoid. Expect trouble from people but don’t be anxious. You may be a sheep but you also have a Shepherd. “The Spirit of [the] Father” will be with you. He will help you in your time of need. You will not be forgotten or forsaken.

Final warning: If they mistreat the Teacher/Master (Jesus) the Disciple/Slave (you) should expect the same treatment. Or worse.

APPLICATION
Once again Jesus gives us, his followers, a calling and a challenge. Be a messenger. Proclaim the Kingdom. Let everyone know that the true King has already arrived. Be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. Do the work of bringing healing, wholeness, resurrected life, and freedom from spiritual evil to people who are open to the Kingdom. Expect the Holy Spirit to be in you and with you. Don’t rely on your own provision or plans. God’s work doesn’t depend on a budget or a building. He works through ordinary people like me. Like you. We don’t even need an extra pair of shoes or a speechwriter to get going.

This is a tall order with an even steeper price tag. Jesus says it all right there, up front, not in some hidden fine print. He was hated. Arrested. Killed in the worst way possible. We should expect to be treated exactly the same way. Everyone who sticks it out to the bitter end will be saved. Am I ready for the challenge?

PRAYER
Oh Father, help me be your messenger in the world. Make me into a person who brings healing and wholeness to others. Give me the faith I need to trust you. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Guide me. Help me. Please be my shepherd. Keep me safe with your rod and your staff. Walk with me in the hard places and when I’m afraid. Give me your wisdom and your words. Help me stand firm through the suffering that will come my way. I’m asking in the strong name of your Son, Jesus.