Brothers Go Together Series

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

- Speak on the goodness of our being together this morning

- This series called “We Are Better Together”

- Intentional in pointing our minds to unity as a church family and as part of the churches of Christ.

SAME-SIDE SQUABBLE

Sometimes people within the same school class, the same organization, the same church, and even the same sports teams get into arguments and have conflict.

In the year 2015, the Washington Nationals were in the home stretch of the Major League Baseball season. They were in contention to get one of the final spots in the playoffs. Every win counted, and tensions among players were high.

During a game against the Phillies, Washington relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon got upset at star teammate Bryce Harper. It was the bottom of the 8th inning and the score was tied at 4-4. With one ball and 2 strikes, Harper pops a fly ball into left field where he was easily caught out. Routine play.

On his way back to the dugout, pitcher Jonathan Papelbon was upset because Harper didn’t run all the way to first base. Papelbon thought Harper should have at least tried to reach first. As Harper went back into the dugout, Papelbon yelled, “You gotta run that ball out!” Harper muttered something under his breath, to which Papelbon responded by attacking Harper and choking him. Teammates quickly broke up the fight, and Papelbon was suspended for four games.

Two guys within the same team who had the same goal were ready to trade blows because of a disagreement on the amount of hustle one guy was giving. Bryce Harper said in the interview following the game that “it’s like brothers fighting…” Sometimes brothers fight. But what they don’t do (shouldn’t do) is divide over it. And that’s what I want to point us to this morning. Our lesson this morning is called “Brothers Go Together”.

LEAD PRAYER FOR UNITY

Jesus has chosen his disciples. Twelve men to be his followers and learn about his purpose. Twelve men to learn what this Gospel (good news) is all about. Let’s read a little about these men in Matthew 10

READ MATTHEW 10:1-4 (2 Slides)

1 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother;

James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

These 12 men would be Jesus’ closest friends. They would go through much together and together they would witness unbelievable things. What we find is that as they were chosen, Jesus sends them out with instructions about their work.

They were to go and proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.

This work was going to be fascinating and frightening all at the same time for the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This would cause them to be delivered over to the courts (because of who’s authority they were given to do so) and have them flogged in the synagogues (because the one who has given them authority is claiming to be the Great I AM). These 12 men would be hated for the name sake of Jesus. They needed each other.

In Luke’s account of this, it isn’t just the 12 that are sent out, but after the 12, he sends out 72 more with the same instructions he gives to the 12. These disciples were to go with partners in the Gospel. This is an important part of this sending. Why does he send them out in twos? There are several reasons and like a good sermon, I am going to give you 3 and tell us why we need the same system as brothers and sisters in the faith.

JESUS SENDS THEM TWO BY TWO

1. The first reason: We all have different gifts and different weaknesses.

Each of these men were equipped with different strengths and skills. Some might have been able to speak well in public, others were gifted in serving. One might have the ability to discern whether a home was worthy as he says in verse 13, another might know when it’s time to leave town as in verse 14 & 15.

The church today needs people of all kinds of gifts, all manner of strengths, and every kind of skill in reaching people for the Kingdom. We at 29th need people of all skill and ability for the ministry opportunities that come. Maybe your gift isn’t public speaking, but you are great at serving—you know, we have such an opportunity for you. We will be over at the Contact Church serving lunch next Sunday! We could sure use your help in being the hands and feet of Jesus in serving these wonderful brothers and sisters in a simple meal to love them. Or, maybe you don’t do well in a big group, but there are things coming like an opportunity to watch kids and help with activities as their parents have a night out. Falecia is putting such an event together. Or maybe you are not great with kids…we can use your hands to help with things around the building or in our worship assemblies on Sundays. There are numerous ways to be a part of the church and unite with your brothers and sisters.