Commissioning of the Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:1-15)

Naming and Empowering the Apostles

Jesus formally names and empowers His twelve disciples to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. This act underscores His authority and the disciples’ role in extending His mission on earth (Matthew 10:1).

Instructions for Mission

Jesus sends the twelve with specific instructions for their journey: they are to focus on the lost sheep of Israel, proclaim the message that the kingdom of heaven is near, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons. This directive emphasizes the continuation of Jesus’ healing and teaching ministry through His disciples (Matthew 10:5-8).

Dependency and Hospitality

The disciples are instructed to travel without gold or silver, relying on the hospitality of those who receive them. This dependency fosters a spirit of humility and trust in God’s provision (Matthew 10:9-10).

Response to Reception

Jesus advises on how to respond to hospitality and its lack, highlighting the consequences for towns that do not welcome them or listen to their words (Matthew 10:11-15).

Persecutions Foretold (Matthew 10:16-25)

Warnings of Future Trials

Jesus warns His disciples of future persecutions, preparing them to face opposition from religious and civil authorities. He encourages them to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16).

The Promise of the Spirit

Amidst these trials, they are reassured that the Spirit will speak through them, a promise that emphasizes God’s ongoing presence and support (Matthew 10:19-20).

The Cost of Discipleship

Jesus candidly speaks of the divisions that the gospel will bring, even within families, underscoring the cost of following Him. He maintains that loyalty to Him must surpass all other ties (Matthew 10:21-25).

Exhortations to Fearless Confession (Matthew 10:26-33)

Encouragement Against Fear

Jesus encourages His disciples not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, they should fear God who can destroy both soul and body in hell. This teaching redirects focus from temporal threats to eternal realities (Matthew 10:28).

God’s Care

Reinforcing His care, Jesus refers to sparrows sold cheaply and yet not forgotten by God. Disciples are of much greater value to God than many sparrows, ensuring them of His detailed attention to their lives (Matthew 10:29-31).

The Importance of Acknowledging Christ

Jesus emphasizes the importance of openly acknowledging Him before others, promising reciprocal acknowledgment before His Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32-33).

Rewards of Discipleship (Matthew 10:40-42)

Receiving the Disciples and Their Reward

Jesus concludes with the rewards associated with receiving His disciples. Accepting them is equated with accepting Jesus Himself and, by extension, the Father who sent Him. Even small acts of kindness, such as giving a cup of cold water to a disciple, will not go unrewarded, illustrating the value placed on supporting the work of God’s kingdom (Matthew 10:40-42).

Theological Significance

Connection to Jesus Christ

Matthew 10 illustrates the extension of Jesus’ ministry through His disciples, reinforcing His messianic mission and divine authority. The empowerment of the disciples mirrors the broader call of the Church to continue Christ’s work on earth.

God’s Love for the World

This chapter highlights God’s love through the sending of the disciples to heal, restore, and preach the kingdom of heaven. It also reassures them (and all believers) of His intimate care and presence, even in the face of hardship and opposition.

Contemporary Relevance

Matthew 10 remains relevant today as it addresses the mission, challenges, and rewards of Christian discipleship. It calls believers to a committed and fearless proclamation of the gospel, assures them of God’s providential care, and sets a standard for hospitality and support within the Christian community.

Conclusion

Matthew 10 provides profound insights into the nature of discipleship, the inevitability of opposition, and the ultimate support and reward from God. It challenges contemporary believers to evaluate their commitment to Christ’s mission and to embrace their role in the ongoing narrative of God’s redemptive work.