Welcome to the gospel of Matthew

1. A study series on the Scriptures of our Lord Jesus Christ Chapter 10 – the 2nd big book “The Missionary instructions” Welcome to the gospel of Matthew

2. In chapters 8 and 9, Matthew recorded 10 miracles of Jesus that demonstrate the power needed to live the new law given in the Sermon on the Mount. • The new life that he bring has power over • Sickness, • Elements of nature, • Demons • Death. • He is establishing the kingdom of God in this power and using it to restore outsiders and to fling open the doors to all who have faith. Review of the context

3. Jesus finished calling 12 apostles to follow him. He has called their attention to the “sheep without a shepherd” around them, he charged them to pray that the Lord will send laborers into the harvest. The stage is set for Jesus’ second discourse, his second of five books, in which Jesus will extend the kingdom by sending out the Twelve as missionary laborers. Then and now…

4. As Jesus selects 12 apostles and delivers them a missionary sermon, he does this before sending them out to the surrounding Galilean region. • He charges them to preach the kingdom of heaven is at hand – vs. 7. this is reiterated from Matthew 3:2, and Matthew 4:17 • Jesus confers on them the same authority of haling and exorcism displayed during his early ministry. – vs. 1 and vs. 8; reiterates Matthew 4:23-24, and Matthew 9:35 Chapter 10 – the missionary sermon

5. Jesus seems to give instructions to three kinds of disciples, each group living at a different time • To Former Disciples, Living in the Time of Christ (10:1–15): • Jesus speaks to the disciples of his day. • To Future Disciples, Living During the Time of the Great Tribulation (10:16–23): • This is assumed, based on Jesus’ statement in 10:23. • To Faithful Disciples, Living throughout Church History (10:24–42): • Jesus speaks of discipleship and persecution. Jesus speaks of three groups of disciples in chapter 10

6. To Former Disciples, Living in the Time of Christ (10:1–15): Jesus speaks to the disciples of his day. • A. The individuals (10:2–4): Here Matthew lists the names of the twelve apostles. • B. The instructions (10:1, 5–15) • 1. Their mission field (10:5–6): They are to go only to the lost sheep of Israel. • 2. Their mission (10:1, 7–15) • a. To preach that God’s Kingdom is near (10:7) • b. To heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons (10:1, 8a): They are given authority to do these things. • c. To give freely (10:8b): They are to give as freely as they have received. • d. To remain unburdened (10:9–10): They are not to take money or extra clothes with them. • e. To bless or curse each town upon leaving (10:11–15): They are to bless worthy towns and curse unbelieving towns. Jesus gives His disciples authority – 10:1-15 – the outline

7. 1. The Twelve are called and authorized (10:1-4) • 2. Jesus’ “charge” to the Twelve • A. The mission of the twelve • a. where to go vs. 5-6 • B. what to take vs. 9-10 • C. what to say vs. 7 • D. what to do vs. 8 • consequences for rejection (10:5-15) • Where to stay vs. 11 • What to take and what not to take • How to relate to the people of the mission vs.12-14 • Salute the house • Consequences for those who reject the message vs. 15 • How long did the mission last? • No one knows, • b. the suffering of the apostles (10:16-23) • c. encouragement for the apostles (10:24-11:1) • fear those who kill body and soul - might be a significance to hell • language repeats in chapter 25 The mission of the 12!

8. The word “apostle” means one who is sent with a mission; after being commissioned. It was used for personal representatives of the King; ambassadors who functioned with the king’s authority. This is the spirit in which we see Jesus commissioning his disciples and giving them authority and power to carry out his work on his behalf The great commissioning

9. It strikes me odd, as I read Matthew’s gospel that Matthew does not have a story of how Jesus chose the 12, or where these men came from. • Some of these men appear for the first time by name in chapter 10, why? • I think Matthew assumes that this group is known to the reader. These apostles were picked from the disciples who were following him Is it just me???

10. What do you suppose is the significance of Jesus selecting twelve apostles? • Luke 22:28-30 and Rev. 21:10-14 can help to formulate our answers • Luke 22 - It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father has conferred one on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel • Rev. 21 - He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal. It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed and on which names were inscribed, [the names] of the twelve tribes of the Israelites. There were three gates facing east, three north, three south, and three west. The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb • Thoughts? Comments? Let’s start with a question

11. The number 12 is significant in that the nation of Israel was built from 12 sons (tribes) of Jacob, who was called Israel. Ten of those tribes disappeared into exile in 722 BC, and the others were taken into Babylonian captivity (present day Iraq) less than 150 years later. Jesus came to restore the lost tribes and to constitute Israel around himself. By selecting 12 disciples, Jesus shows that while he is not literally bringing back the same tribes that were lost, he is structuring them anew on these men. The 12 apostles are the foundation stones of the new Israel: not replacing the 12 tribes, who remain as gates to the kingdom, but being, in a spiritual way, the reality to which those tribes pointed. One solution to help understand

12. As you read the names of the 12 apostles. Pay attention to certain detail! • Who is named “first” at the head of the list? • Simon, who is called Peter – and who was the first disciple (with his brother) Jesus called, Peter • Peter is given primacy over the others from the start. Jesus commissions the 12!

13. Are any of the others familiar to you from the preceding chapters in Matthew? What kind of men were those who were called already? • Comments? • Thoughts? • Hint – Matthew 4:18-22 and Matthew 9:9 What about the others?

14. The disciples were men of faith who left everything behind to follow Jesus. For the most part, they were humble men, of low social standing. Peter and Andrew, James and John were fishermen. Matthew was a tax collector and tax collectors were outsiders looked on by many Jews as traitors because they worked for Rome and they were hated for collecting more taxes than they were owed. The others vary

15. At the end of the list is “Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” • Surely Jesus knew what kind of man Judas was and that he would betray him, yet he chose Judas to be one of the foundation – stones of the new kingdom. • Sometimes we see people in positions of authority in the church whom we believe are betraying the Lord or who seem otherwise unworthy. What does the fact that Jesus chose Judas as an apostle suggest that our attitude be toward those people and their offices? • Thoughts? Think about it

16. People in positions of religious authority, whether they are priests or cardinals or even the Pope himself, are human, sinners like the rest of us. • Some are blatant sinners who do terrible things – like Judas, or some priests and some of the past Popes. • This does not mean that we disrespect the office or write off the God who set up the system. • All authority comes from God, and sometimes there is a reason God allows or gives someone who is not of his mind and heart, a place in office for a time. Possible answer

17. B - Bartholomew A - Andrew P - Phillip T - Thomas I – (no J in the Latin language) – John, James the greater, James the Lesser, Jude, Judas Iscariot S – Simon T – Thomas M - Matthew How do I remember the 12? By their main mission at the end of the gospel

18. The instructions (10: 5–15) • 1. Their mission field (10:5–6): They are to go only to the lost sheep of Israel. • 2. Their mission (10:7–15) • a. To preach that God’s Kingdom is near (10:7) • b. To heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons (10:1, 8a): They are given authority to do these things. • c. To give freely (10:8b): They are to give as freely as they have received. • d. To remain unburdened (10:9–10): They are not to take money or extra clothes with them. • e. To bless or curse each town upon leaving (10:11–15): They are to bless worthy towns and curse unbelieving towns. The commissioning of the 12 = Matthew 10:5 - 15

19. What charge did Jesus give his apostles, and how did he empower them? • Jesus charged his apostles to go to the lost sheep of Israel, preaching that good news of the kingdom and healing, raising them from the dead, cleansing lepers, casting out demons. • In other words, to be like him and to do what he had been doing. • He didn’t just tell them to do that, he gave them a share in his own authority (power) over illness, death and demons so they would be able. - not a micromanager? Questions for thought?

20. Who were to be the initial recipients of their ministry? Is their a significance? • Hint: Matthew 4:12-16 Comments?

21. Even though Jesus first healed those outside the kingdom, the disciples were NOT to go first to Gentiles and Samaritans, but rather “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” • These would be descendants of the scattered Northern Tribes of Israel, who had returned and lived among Gentiles in the region of Galilee. • Jesus chose this area to begin his ministry specifically for that reason, because he is restoring an Israel that had been lost and scattered. • Now he wants his disciples to follow suit. Clever!!! Possible answer…

22. What additional instructions did Jesus give the 12? • The disciples were to spread without charge the good news they did not pay to receive. • Neither were they to depend on their own resources for provision by taking along money, extra clothing or even a staff. • Rather, they were to depend on those to whom they ministered, staying with “worthy” people in each town they visited. Additional instructions…?

23. When Jesus left “unclean” Gentile territory for their own land, it was customary for them to shake the dust from their feet. • What is significant about Jesus’ instructions in verses 13-15? • Comments? • Thoughts? One last question from this section

24. To shake the dust form their feet represents a warning judgment on Jews who do not receive the apostles; • They may not be ritually unclean in the eyes of the law, but by their refusal, they render themselves separate from the true kingdom – as the gesture symbolizes. Possible answer

25. Jesus sends the apostles only to the Israelites of Galilee (10:6) • This reflects the order and direction of salvation history. • Since God adopted them as his own – Ex. 19:5, and • lavaged them with special privileges – Rom. 9:4-5, • it was only appropriate that they first hear the gospel – Acts 1:8 • It would not be until Jesus rises from the dead that the apostles would be sent to the Gentiles – Mat. 28:18-20 Do not go into pagan territory? Why?

26. The 12 received their own call and mission through God’s gifts bestowed on them, and the benefits then in turn are to be given away freely. • They are not to take with them • Money • Provisions • Or unnecessary clothing • Their lodging and food will be provided by those who receive them. stewardship

27. To Future Disciples, Living During the Time of the Great Tribulation (10:16–23): This is assumed, based on Jesus’ statement in 10:23. • A. The enemies of God will hate them (10:16–18, 23). • 1. Religious persecution (10:16–17): They will be handed over to courts and beaten in synagogues. • 2. Political persecution (10:18): They will be called before governors and kings; this will give them a chance to witness. • 3. Family persecution (10:21): Family members will betray each other. • 4. General persecution (10:22–23): Everyone will hate them because of their allegiance to Christ. • B. The Spirit of God will help them (10:19–20): He will give them the right words to say! • To Faithful Disciples, Living throughout Church History (10:24–42): Jesus speaks of discipleship and persecution. • A. The certainty (10:24–25): Just as he is persecuted, his disciples also will be. • B. The confidence (10:26–31) • 1. What people may do (10:26–28): They may kill the body, but they cannot touch the soul. • 2. What God will do (10:29–31): He cares for both body and soul. • C. The conflict (10:34–36): Faith in Christ may well turn a person’s family against him or her! • D. The conditions (10:37–38) • 1. The priority of our love for Christ (10:37): We are to place him even above our families! • 2. The proof of our love for Christ (10:38): We are to take up our cross and follow him. • E. The compensation (10:32–33, 39–42): These are the benefits of true discipleship: • 1. To be honored by the Son in the presence of the Father (10:32–33) • 2. To fully gain one’s life (10:39) • 3. To be given great rewards (10:40–42) The cost of discipleship – Mat. 10:16-39

28. When we read 10:16-24, Jesus has asked his apostles to deliver fantastic news, news that everyone has been longing to hear. • Not only that, he has given them the withdrawal to transform people’s lives for the better, healing diseases and raising the dead and casting out demons. • Knowing this, what kind of reception does he say they can expect? • Comments? Will they be welcomed?

29. Jesus tells his apostles to expect the kind of reception a sheep gets from a pack of wolves! • They will be dragged to court and beaten, • They will be delivered up to death and hated. • In other words, they can expect the same reception that he has gotten and received. • Jesus was not welcomed either by the people of Israel. One answer…

30. Jesus tells them to be wary, but not to think all is lost if they end up in court. • This is actually part of the plan, for they will be able to bear testimony before governors and kings and Gentiles. • He also tells them not to be anxious about what to say, because the Holy Spirit will speak through them. • If they are persecuted in one town, flee to the next, for they won’t be able to cover the whole territory before the Son of Man returns. So how does Jesus tell them to respond?

31. As ambassadors for Christ, the 12 should not expect to be treat other than he is who the Pharisees called Beelzebul (Prince of Demons). • They should follow in his footsteps, doing as he does. • If they endure to the end, they will be saved. • He also tells them that the Son of Man will come before they get through all of the towns of Israel. • A prelude to the second coming? • Destruction of the temple in 70 AD? – initial coming What hope and comfort does Jesus give to them in these verses?

32. Following this assurance of persecution, Jesus says, “So have no fear of them”- vs. 26 • How can he say this? • Thoughts? • Comments? Wow!

33. Jesus’ assurance is based on the character of God, which does not change: • On his power and on his love. • There is no need to fear what others can do, because they cannot touch the soul. • Even the worst they can do will have only a temporal effect. • It is better to focus on a proper fear of God who has the power to destroy both soul and body forever. • All will be brought to light and justice will prevail. Let’s look at it

34. We can trust the Father’s love! It is all about our relationship with God the Father. • Each of his children is of inestimable value to him. • If you doubt that, consider the sparrows. – they are worth very little in comparison, and God watches over them. God cares for them. • God cares for his own. He will not let anything happen to his children without his permission Keeping eternity in mind…

35. If you take the risk of acknowledging Jesus as Lord in your life, and of defending him to other people, he also will acknowledge you before his father in heaven. • There is no need to fear those who persecute you for his sake. Jesus honors those who confess him

36. Let’s refresh our memory of the first announcement of Good News in the bible, which comes in Gen. 3:15. • Gen. 3:15 - I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; They will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel • In light of these words, why should Jesus’ insistence on the inevitability of persecution – and his admonition to not be afraid – not surprise us? • Comments? Think about it…

37. God told the serpent after the fall in the Garden of Eden, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. • Jesus is the seed of the woman who has come to bruise the head of the enemy. Satan will not take this lying down; all who follow Christ are joined in the battle and should expect to be bruised. • But God and his Son will be victorious. • There is no need to fear when you know you are on the side of the victor! No need to fear!

38. Are Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:34-36, where he say he has not come to bring peace but a sword, a contradiction to what he says in John 14:27 – “peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” • Explain this? Another question?

39. Both are true. Jesus came to bring peace between God and man and among men. He also promised peace to his followers. Not the world’s peace, which is the absence of discord, but an inner peace and assurance in the midst of whatever the world might throw at them. As in the parable of the man who built his house on the rock, the storm will not prevail. But in the process of establishing the new order, there will inevitably be conflict with those who want to hang onto the old. This conflict may even extend to members of the same family – but the spiritual family he is founding is more important than blood ties. Lets dig into it

40. What does the cross – a cruel instrument of execution that all Jesus’ followers would be familiar with – represent in verse 38? • The cross represents the total commitment required of Jesus’ disciples. Denying one’s self and even suffering and death may be required of those who follow him but as Jesus’ death and resurrection will soon demonstrate, that death will lead to true and eternal life. Last question?

41. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it • What does this mean? • One who denies Christ in order to save one’s earthly life will be condemned to everlasting destruction; • Loss of earthly life for Jesus’ sake will be rewarded by everlasting life in the kingdom Vs. 39

42. Earlier in this chapter, Jesus pronounced judgment greater than that of Sodom and Gomorrah on those who would not receive the apostles – vs. 14-15. • What does he say is in store for those who do receive them – verses 40-42? • Note: Jesus refers to the apostles as ‘little ones’ Rewards – 10:40-42

43. Because the apostles are carrying on Jesus’ mission, those who receive them receive also Jesus and God himself. For this they will receive rewards like those due the prophets and righteous men. Even simple acts of kindness such as giving drink to a disciple of Christ will be rewarded. Rewards for those who obey and follow

44. Think about your daily interaction with the Lord. • What changes might you make in your life in terms of: • study, • prayer, • Observing the needs of others, • and doing charitable deeds • so that you can become a better disciple? Chapter 10 application

45. Will anyone give a summary of chapters 8-10, Book 2 of Matthew’s gospel • What are the major points? • How did the kingdom of God begin to break in upon this Earth? • In what ways was God’s power made manifest? • What kind of foundation was laid for the kingdom? Book 2 wrap up