Commissioned To Serve Series

Commissioned to Serve

Matthew 10: 5-8

Today I want to begin a series focused on Jesus sending the twelve out to labor in ministry. Up until this point, Jesus had ministered alone. Granted, the disciples were continually with Him, and crowds were normally around, but these were all observers or recipients of Jesus’ ministry. The time had come for the disciples to engage in ministry themselves.

In order to fully appreciate Chapter 10, we must also consider the conclusion of Chapter 9. Matt.9:37-38 – Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Likely the disciples were unaware that the Lord would use them as an answer to their prayers. After instructing them to pray that laborers would be sent forth into the harvest, Jesus commissioned them for service in the harvest.

I know there are those who would argue that this passage has little benefit for the church today. They claim it was given prior to the cross, and the disciples ministered solely to the Jews of Israel. While those facts are undeniable, this passage reveals principles that remain relevant for all who seek to serve the Lord in ministry. In fact, this passage is relevant for all who have come to faith in Christ. Every born-again believer is expected to labor in the harvest.

As we endeavor to impact lostness in Pocket #159 in Mount Airy, we need to understand and apply these same principles if we expect to be effective in reaching those who need the Lord. As we examine the principles revealed in the opening verses of this passage, I want to consider: Commissioned to Serve.

I. A Mandate to Pursue (5-6) – Having called the disciples unto Himself, and empowering them for ministry, Jesus gave a mandate for them to engage in ministry. Consider:

A. The Commission (5a) – These twelve Jesus sent forth. Bear in mind, these men had traveled with Jesus for a while now. They had witnessed the miracles He performed, and heard the message He preached. They had observed Jesus engaged in ministry on a daily basis. The Lord had been discipling these men, preparing them to engage in ministry themselves. The time had now come for them to go out and labor in the harvest as well.

The church was given the Great Commission just prior to Jesus ascending back to the Father. We have received the mandate, and if we are to be obedient to the Lord, we must engage in ministry. Many have the idea that engaging the lost and sharing the Gospel is reserved for the pastor or those in leadership positions within the church. While these are expected to labor in the harvest, this work is not reserved for them alone. If you are saved by grace, part of the church, the body of Christ, you too have been called to labor in the harvest.

B. The Instruction (5) – These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not. Jesus was very specific in what He expected the disciples to do as they engaged those around them. At this moment in time they were not to go into areas that were primarily Gentile, nor were they to go unto the Samaritans. The time would come for these to hear the Gospel, but at this moment, Jesus instructed them to avoid those areas and people.

Unfortunately, this verse causes confusion for many, and some assume this passage has no value for the church. Yet, if we refuse to consider the foundational principles of the passage, we will lack effectiveness in ministry. The Gospel would eventually be taken to the Gentiles, and to the entire world, but at this moment, Jesus wanted them to avoid those areas. He had given a target group that He wanted them to engage. Naturally, we can’t possibly speak to every individual on the face of the earth. Therefore, it is imperative that we pray and seek the Lord’s guidance regarding those we are to engage at given moments in our ministry efforts. While a shot-gun approach may reach a few, a prayerful, targeted approach is always more effective.

C. The Destination (6) – But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. At this particular moment, the disciples were called to minister to the lost sheep of Israel. The Lord wanted them to focus upon the Jews. As we read further in the New Testament, the Lord would call the apostle Paul to minister primarily to the Gentiles.

The Lord calls and equips specific people for specific areas of ministry. This is a principle that we must understand and embrace. Individually, some men are called into evangelism or missions, while others, like myself, are called into pastoral ministry. That doesn’t mean that one takes priority over the other, but that God has specific people for specific works. It is no mistake our church meets at this particular location. In His sovereignty, God planted us here to engage this area with the Gospel.