Matthew Chapter Ten presents a pivotal moment in the Gospel where Jesus imparts detailed instructions to His closest followers, setting a foundation for Christian mission and ministry. In this chapter, Jesus calls the Twelve Apostles, grants them authority over unclean spirits to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every affliction.
He outlines the boundaries of their initial outreach and details the support they should expect as they embark on this daunting task. Jesus’ discourse here is as much about empowerment as it is a sober reminder of the challenges that accompany the proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Nine here.
The essence of this chapter is not only historical but practical, serving as a valuable template for ministry in diverse contexts. The directives given by Jesus address the necessary provision for the journey, a reliance on local hospitality, and the reality of opposition.
From empowerment to miracles, and provision to prohibition, the blueprint laid out in Matthew Chapter Ten for His disciples encapsulates the depth of trust and obedience required in Christian ministry.
This chapter forces the reader to grapple with the cost of discipleship and the faithfulness needed to follow through with the commissioning.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus authoritatively commissions the Twelve Apostles for a specific mission.
- The message and miracles of Jesus are central to the task given to the disciples.
- Instructions emphasize reliance on God’s provision and the reality of opposition.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Eight here.
The Commissioning of the Twelve Apostles
In Matthew Chapter 10, the narrative focuses on the commission and appointment of the Twelve Apostles by Jesus, marking a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Matthew.
This section encompasses their selection, the authority they receive, and the instructions for their ministry.
| Section | Verses | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| The Twelve Apostles | 1-4 | – Jesus gives authority to His 12 disciples. |
| – The names of the 12 apostles are listed. | ||
| Jesus Sends Out the Twelve | 5-15 | – Instructions for ministry: where to go, what to take, how to interact with receptive or hostile towns. |
| Coming Persecutions | 16-23 | – Jesus warns of persecutions and advises on how to respond. |
| – Encouragement that the Spirit will guide their words. | ||
| Fear God, Not Man | 24-31 | – Disciples are not above their teacher but should emulate Him. |
| – Fear God rather than people; God values us highly. | ||
| Not Peace but a Sword | 32-39 | – Jesus speaks of division, not peace, as a result of following Him. |
| – The costs of discipleship include taking up the cross and possibly facing family estrangement. | ||
| Rewards | 40-42 | – Rewards for receiving Jesus’ followers and for acts of kindness toward them. |
The Appointment of the Apostles
Jesus specifically selects a group of twelve from among his followers, who are henceforth referred to as the apostles.
This number aligns with the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying a foundation for a new covenant community. The names of these twelve disciples are listed, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, among others.
The Authority Given by Jesus
Upon their appointment, Jesus imparts to the apostles significant authority over unclean spirits and the ability to heal every disease and affliction. This empowerment serves not only as a validation of their role but also underscores the divine backing for their mission.
Instructions for Ministry
The instructions for ministry given by Jesus are explicit. The apostles are to focus on the “lost sheep of the house of Israel,” preaching the message that “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
They are advised to travel light, without gold or silver, relying on the hospitality of those who receive them. Should a town or household reject them, they are to shake off the dust from their feet, as a testimony against them.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Seven here.
The Mission: Scope and Limitations
In Matthew Chapter Ten, Jesus outlines a specific mission for his disciples, focusing on preaching to a defined audience with explicit boundaries for their outreach.
The Target Audience: House of Israel
Jesus directed his disciples’ mission to the House of Israel. He emphasized that their primary focus should be on the lost sheep of the house of Israel, indicating a clear boundary for their ministry.
The Kingdom of Heaven was to be proclaimed amongst the Jewish people, reflecting Jesus’ initial approach to restrict the mission’s scope to the tribes of Israel.
Instructions on Engaging Gentiles and Samaritans
The disciples were expressly instructed to avoid engaging with Gentiles and Samaritans at this stage of the mission.
This limitation is emphasized in Matthew 10, where Jesus states not to enter into the towns of the Samaritans, nor to take the path towards Gentile cities. The directive to exclude these groups underlines the initial focus on the Jews as the first recipients of the message about the Kingdom of Heaven.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Six here.
Empowerment and Miracles
In Matthew Chapter 10, the empowerment of the disciples and the performance of miracles are essential themes, where Jesus Christ grants them authority to heal the sick and perform wonders as a testament to the Gospel they preach.
Healing the Sick and Casting Out Demons
Jesus empowered his disciples to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons.
This demonstration of power served a two-fold purpose: it authenticated their message and illustrated compassion for those in need. The miracles they performed were not just acts of power but also signs of the coming kingdom and an expression of God’s love for humanity.
- Heal the sick: They were given authority to restore health, signifying the restoration of wholeness in the Kingdom of God.
- Cleanse the lepers: By cleansing lepers, they broke societal barriers, bringing the marginalized back into community.
- Raise the dead: This rare and profound miracle underscored the power over life and death as a testament to God’s supreme authority.
- Cast out demons: They demonstrated victory over evil forces, affirming the liberating power of the Gospel.
Proclaiming the Gospel Through Wonders
The preaching of the Gospel was accompanied by signs and miracles as a way to substantiate the disciples’ message.
The acts of empowerment went beyond just speech; they showed that the kingdom of God was active and present.
- Miracles: Every miracle served as evidence of the divine nature of their message and mission.
- Preach with authority: The disciples preached with a newfound confidence, knowing that their words were backed by the ability to perform wonders.
Through these acts of empowerment, the disciples were able to vividly demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel they proclaimed.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Five here.
Provision and Prohibition for the Journey
In Matthew Chapter Ten, Jesus equips his disciples for missionary work with specific instructions focused on dependence and trust in God’s provision alongside a clear directive on what not to carry.
The details highlight the reliance on divine support and the exercise of hospitality by others, as opposed to material provisions.
Reliance on God and Hospitality
Jesus instructed the disciples to seek hospitality from worthy persons in the places they visited. They were to depend on God and the kindness of strangers for their sustenance.
This reliance underscored the importance of the mission over material concerns and served as a test of the communities’ receptiveness to their message and the messengers.
“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” (Matthew 10:8 NKJV) indicates the purity of their service, untainted by the pursuit of material gain, and establishes a bond of trust between the disciples and those they served.
Prohibited Items for the Apostles
The items prohibited from the disciples’ journey are detailed pragmatically:
- Gold, silver, or copper in their belts,
- Bag for the journey,
- Extra tunic,
- Sandals, or a staff.
The lack of these items was to emphasize trust in God’s provision and the worker’s worth for his sustenance.
By forgoing these possessions, the disciples highlighted their commitment to the spiritual mission above personal comfort and wealth.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Four here.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the significance, context, and application of Matthew Chapter 10 to provide readers with a deeper understanding of its teachings.
What is the significance of Jesus’ instructions to His disciples in Matthew 10?
In Matthew 10, Jesus’ instructions are pivotal as they lay out the groundwork for missionary work, emphasizing reliance on God’s providence and preparation for rejection.
How does Matthew Chapter 10 fit into the context of the five discourses found in the Gospel?
Matthew Chapter 10 is the second of five teaching discourses attributed to Jesus, each structured to enhance the reader’s understanding of his teachings and forming a manual for discipleship.
What are the implications of Jesus granting authority to His disciples in the first part of Matthew 10?
Jesus imparting authority to His disciples symbolizes the transfer of divine power to humankind, allowing them to heal, exorcise demons, and proclaim the advent of the Kingdom of Heaven.
How can modern day believers apply the mission and challenges faced by the disciples as described in Matthew 10?
Believers today can draw from the disciples’ experiences in Matthew 10 as a guide for evangelism, teaching to expect and overcome opposition through faith and perseverance.
In what ways does Matthew 10:1-23 offer insight into the proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven?
Matthew 10:1-23 crucially outlines the content and approach to preaching the Kingdom, focusing on the urgency to reform and the inclusiveness of Jesus’ message for all, not just Israel.
How does Matthew 10 address the theme of persecution and how should it be understood by contemporary Christians?
Matthew 10 candidly forewarns of persecution, advising Christians to anticipate adversity while holding steadfast in their mission, an enduring principle for the modern faithful.
