A Messiah Who Sends Part 1: Preparing For the Journey
Text: Matt. 10:1-15
Introduction
1. Illustration: “[Most people] act as if they were simply dropped down in creation and have to entertain [them] selves until [they] die. But we [Christians] were sent into the world by God, just as Jesus was. Each of us has a mission in life. Jesus prays to his Father for his followers, saying, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” We seldom fully realize that we are sent to fulfill God-given tasks” (Henri J. N. Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, April 23 reading).
2. As Christians we have the knowledge that we are not here by mistake, but that we have a sovereign God who has a great purpose for our lives.
3. However, we also realize that He does not send us out ill-prepared. He sends us out with:
a. Authority
b. Instructions
c. Faith
d. Purpose
4. Read Matt. 10:1-15
Proposition: Jesus gives us everything we need to be successful in ministry.
Transition: The first thing that Jesus does is...
I. Sends Us With Authority (1-4).
A. Gave Them Authority
1. The first thing that we need to notice about our text is what words Matthew uses to refer to those Jesus is sending.
2. In v. 1 he says, "Jesus called his twelve disciples together..."
a. Matthew is the only New Testament writer to refer to the "twelve disciples", although the title "the Twelve" occurs regularly elsewhere (Wilkins, NIV Application Commentary New Testament: Matthew, 384).
b. The word disciple refers to "a person who learns from another by instruction, whether formal or informal" (Louw and Nidda, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Symantic Domains).
c. The point here is that Jesus didn’t just pick out twelve people out of a crowd and say "sick em!" They had been with him and observed how he did ministry.
d. Even Paul, the greatest Evangelist that ever lived, had to be trained to minister.
e. Galatians 1:15-17 (NLT)
15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him
16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being.
17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus.
f. Galatians 2:1 (NLT)
Then fourteen years later I went back to Jerusalem again, this time with Barnabas; and Titus came along, too.
g. Part of becoming a disciple is allowing yourself to be trained to be used by God.
3. However, I want us to notice that in v. 2 Matthew refers to the same twelve guys with a different title. He says, "Here are the names of the twelve apostles..."
a. Matthew uses the word "apostle" only here, and he is the only Gospel writer to use the expression "the Twelve apostles" (Wilkins, 386).
b. He changes their title from disciples to apostles. Why?
c. Apostle: one who has been commissioned and sent as a special messenger (Louw and Nidda, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Symantic Domains).
d. The term apostle has a significantly different meaning than disciple. The term disciple designates anyone who has believed in Jesus, while apostle designates one who has been commissioned to be his representative.
e. He changes their title because they have gone from being students to being interns.
f. Illustration: It is kind of like being a student teacher. As a student teacher you aren’t taken right from the college classroom and thrown into a classroom full of wild-eyed junior high kids. You learn first by observing a mentor, but then you are given the opportunity to put what you have learned into practice.
4. However, Jesus doesn’t send them out empty handed. Matthew tells us that He "gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness."
a. The word authority is from a verb that means "it is lawful," and it therefore refers to a right or power that is legitimately delegated (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Matthew 8-15).
b. Jesus took the initiative in calling and commissioning his disciples, and so now he gives them his authority (Turner, Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, 146).
c. The same authority that characterized Jesus’ ministry is now given to the Twelve.
d. Like Jesus, this authority enables them to drive out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and sickness.
e. The text explicitly tells us that Jesus was interested not only in proclaiming the kingdom but also in demonstrating it (Keener, IVPNT: Matthew, 199).
f. All that the Twelve will accomplish is based on their having received Jesus’ authority.
g. Disciples of every era will find their own authority only by submitting to Jesus (Wilkins, 385).
B. Every Spiritual Blessing
1. Illustration: When Christian Herter was governor of Massachusetts, he was running hard for a second term in office. One day, after a busy morning chasing votes (and no lunch) he arrived at a church barbecue. It was late afternoon and Herter was famished. As the Governor moved down the serving line, he held out his plate to the woman serving chicken. She put a piece on his plate and turned to the next person in line. "Excuse me," Governor Herter said, "do you mind if I have another piece of chicken?" "Sorry," the woman told him. "I’m supposed to give one piece of chicken to each person." "But I’m starved," the governor said. "Sorry," the woman said again. "Only one to a customer." Governor Herter was a modest and unassuming man, but he decided that this time he would throw a little weight around. "Do you know who I am?" he said. "I am the governor of this state." "Do you know who I am?" the woman said. “No I don’t know who you are.” He said. "Well, I’m the lady in charge of the chicken and it’s one piece of chicken per customer. Now move on down the line."
2. Jesus has given us His authority.
a. John 14:12 (NLT)
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
b. He has given us His authority over demonic forces.
c. He has given us His authority over sickness and disease.
d. He has given us His authority over natural forces.
e. He has given us His authority until He returns.
3. Jesus expects us to use His authority.
a. Mark 16:17-18 (NLT)
17 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.
18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”
b. Jesus didn’t give us His authority so that we can feel good about ourselves.
c. Jesus didn’t give us His authority so we could boast about it.
d. Jesus didn’t give us His authority so that we can sit on it.
e. He gave us His authority so we could minister in His name!
Transition: Jesus also...
II. Sends Us With Instructions (5-8).
A. With These Instructions
1. Notice that Jesus sends them out with specific instructions. Matthew tells us "Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions..."
a. The twelve had not volunteered to become disciples and apostles, nor did they volunteer to minister in Christ’s behalf.
b. They were sovereignly called, commissioned, and sent out by Him. They were under divine orders (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Matthew 8-15).
c. Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT)
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
d. We need to understand that God has a plan for our lives from the time we are conceived.
e. However, we also need to understand that our call from God is specific, and he gives us detailed instructions if we will only listen to him.
2. Look at how specific Jesus instructions are to them. He says, “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel..."
a. Jesus command is not to go into non-Jewish territories (Horton, CBL: Matthew, 189).
b. This limitation fits the historic priority of Israel in salvation history.
c. It was practical (these disciples were not yet equipped to cross cultural boundaries).
d. Furthermore, it would have undoubtedly not been objectionable to the first disciples themselves (Keener, 202).
e. It would take his death, resurrection, and ascension, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and a person encounter through a vision to Peter before they were ready to take the message to the Gentiles and Samaritans.
3. We should also take note of how Jesus refers to these people - "God’s lost sheep."
a. Last week we talked about Jesus having compassion on those who were "sheep without a shepherd."
b. Here Jesus tells them to go to the "lost sheep."
c. Jesus has both compassion and passion for lost sheep.
d. We also need to have this same attitude towards those who don’t know Christ.
e. Our hearts need to break for those who are living lives filled with sin, despair and hopelessness.
f. Romans 10:14 (NLT)
But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?
4. Jesus tells them to "Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near."
a. The message of the disciples is the same as that of both John the Baptist and Jesus: "The kingdom of heaven is near" (Wilkins, 390).
b. Obviously they were to elaborate and explain what that meant, but the basic truth was unmistakable.
c. This would remain their message even after Jesus resurrection.
d. It still remains our message today!
5. But they were to do more than tell them about the Good News, they were supposed to demonstrate the Good News. Jesus tells them to "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!"
a. Jesus did not want the people simply to know God’s power, but to know that He offered His power to help them.
b. The miracles were signs pointing to God’s compassion and mercy.
c. They demonstrated the sympathetic heart of God, who cares for the suffering, the hurting, the afflicted, and the needy (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Matthew 8-15).
d. Although hardhearted people may never be satisfied with signs, signs can draw other people’s attention to the gospel.
e. If such ministry is more difficult in our rationalistic culture, it may be for that reason all the more important (Keener, 203).
B. Specific Target
1. Illustration: A “lame duck” President met with his successor in the Oval Office. Near the end of the orientation, he presented the incoming leader three numbered envelopes, with specific instructions to open them, in order, when great difficulties arose. After the new President completed his “honeymoon” period with the media and the public, the nation experienced an economic downturn. He opened the first envelope. Inside was a card that read: “Blame me.” So he did, criticizing the former administration. After a while, social upheaval brought about a critical domestic crisis. The President opened the second envelope. Inside was a card that read: “Blame my party.” He did so, in an overt display of partisan politics. About a year later, foreign policy resulted in serious problems and the President opened the third envelope. Inside, the card read: “Prepare three envelopes.”
2. Jesus would not send us out without instructions.
a. 2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
b. He tells us what to do - preach the word!
c. He tells us when to do it - whether the time is favorable or not.
d. He tells us when to do it - patiently.
3. Jesus would not send us without an instruction manual.
a. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
b. Jesus gave us the Scriptures to prepare us to minister.
c. Jesus gave us the Scriptures to know what to minister.
d. Jesus gave us the Scriptures when ministry gets difficult.
4. Jesus gives us an instructor.
a. John 16:13 (NLT)
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
b. The Holy Spirit will instruct us in ministry.
c. He will guide us in ministry.
d. He will empower us in ministry.
Transition: Jesus also...
III. Sends Us With Faith (9-10).
A. Don’t Take
1. The means Jesus sends us out with is faith.
2. He tells his apostles, “Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins."
a. They were not to take gold, or silver, or copper coins.
b. Those three metals represented the various coinages in use at the time, in descending order of value.
c. They were not to take valuable gold or silver coins or even less valuable copper ones.
d. They were to go out with their money belts empty.
3. Furthermore, Jesus tells them "Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick."
a. The bag probably refers to a food sack that was commonly carried on a journey, since inns were widely scattered and expensive.
b. The apostles were not even to take a sack lunch.
c. Nor were they to take extra clothes, or sandals, or a walking stick.
d. They wore a garment called a "tunic" which was an important outer garment that served both as overcoat and blanket.
e. Sandals were necessary to protect the feet from sharp rocks, thorns, and the hot ground.
f. A walking stick was helpful protection against robbers or wild animals (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Matthew 8-15).
4. They wouldn’t need any of this because God would meet all their needs.
a. The disciples can travel light because they trust God to supply their needs where they minister (Keener, 205).
b. Jesus was forbidding them to take any extra stuff because God would provide for them (Horton, 191).
c. There is nothing that we need for ministry that God cannot provide.
B. By Faith
1. Illustration: Can you imagine what it was like for the church in Smyrna as they watched their beloved and aged pastor burn at the stake? Polycarp was his name. He was a disciple of Jesus’ disciple, the Apostle John. One could tell it immediately because he possessed the same tenderness and compassion as his mentor.
a. Polycarp was Bishop of the church at Smyrna (present day Turkey). Persecution broke out in Smyrna and many Christians were fed to the wild beasts in the arena. The godless and bloodthirsty crowd called for the carcass of the leader – Polycarp.
b. The authorities sent a search party to find him. He had been taken into hiding for some Christians but the Romans tortured two young believers until they finally disclosed his location. When the authorities arrival was announced there was still time to whisk Polycarp away but he refused to go saying, “God’s will be done.”
c. In one of the most touching instances of Christian grace imaginable Polycarp welcome his captors as if they were friends. He talked with them and insisted they eat a meal. Ha made only one request before being taken away – he asked for one hour to pray. The Roman soldiers listened to his prayer. Their hearts melted and they gave him 2 hours to pray. They had second thoughts as well and were overheard asking each other why they were sent to arrest him?
d. Other authorities also experienced a warmed heart when Polycarp arrived. The Proconsul tried to find a way to release him too. “Curse God and I will let you go!” he pleaded. Polycarp’s reply was: “For eighty-six years I have served him. He has never done me wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King was has saved me?”
e. The Proconsul again looked for a way out. “Do this old man, just swear by the spirit of the emperor and that will be sufficient.’ Polycarp’s reply was: “If you imagine for a moment that I would do that, then I think you pretend that you don’t know who I am. Hear it plainly. I am a Christian.”
f. The proconsul threatened with the wild beasts. Polycarp’s reply was: “Bring them forth. I would change my mind if it meant going from worst to best, but not to change from right to wrong.”
g. The Proconsul threatened, “I will burn you alive!” Polycarp’s reply was: “You threaten with fire that burns for an hour and is over but the judgment on the ungodly is forever.”
h. The fires engulfed him. The witnesses noticed his faith and joy. He was finished off with a dagger. He was buried for the cause of Christ on February 22, 155 A.D.
2. Romans 1:17 (NIV)
For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
3. Jesus sends us out in the power of faith.
a. With it we can move mountains.
b. With it we can accomplish the impossible.
c. With we can overcome the insurmountable.
4. Jesus sends us out with the promise of faith.
a. The promise that he will not leave us or forsake us.
b. The promise that he will sustain us.
c. The promise that he will provide for us.
d. The promise that when we are down he will pick us up.
Transition: Most importantly, Jesus...
IV. Sends Us With Purpose (11-15).
A. Search For Some Worthy Person
1. One of the most important things to keep in mind as a Christian is that God has called us for a purpose.
2. That purpose is clearly seen in v. 11 where Jesus says, “Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town."
a. The word "worthy" does not point to a person who has a high moral or religious stature but indicates someone who responds positively to the message (Wilkins, 391).
b. Their acceptance of the Kingdom message would show whether or not they were worthy, and to those who received the message were to be extended the blessings of the Kingdom (Turner, 149).
c. Our purpose, however, is seen in the concept of searching for that worthy person.
d. All too often we get caught up in results, but our purpose is not to produce results. Rather our purpose is to search for those in need.
e. Luke 19:10 (NLT)
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
f. Just as it is Jesus purpose, it is also our purpose.
3. Jesus tells us that when we find that person "enter the home, give it your blessing. If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing."
a. The blessing was the age-old Jewish greeting shālôm, which is usually translated simply as peace but which carries the much deeper meaning of total well-being and wholeness of body, mind, and spirit.
b. The implication is that truly receptive listeners were to be ministered to in the fullest way.
c. Their open hearts to the Lord’s work earned them God’s richest blessing. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Matthew 8-15).
4. However, here is where Jesus tells us not to worry about the results. He says, "If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day."
a. He says that if they don’t receive you shake the dust from your feet.
b. It was a sign used by Jews when leaving Gentile regions that they have removed completely unclean elements.
c. For the missionaries it is an acted parable of judgment on those rejecting the mission message (Wilkins, 391).
d. The Apostles were not to waste time where neither they nor their message was welcome.
e. They must leave and symbolically shake the dust off their feet, making it clear that they had been rejected and were no longer responsible for what happened (Horton, 193).
f. The results are the Holy Spirit’s responsibility not ours.
g. When I was a very young in the ministry, one of my superiors told me, "Mark if the Holy Spirit can’t change them you and I are going to either."
h. We need to learn to shake it off and move on.
B. Purpose Driven Ministry
1. Illustration: Rick Warren in his book The Purpose Driven Church said, "Strong churches are not built on programs, personalities or gimmicks. They are built on the eternal purposes of God" (83).
2. Our purpose is to introduce people to Jesus.
a. It is not to build a mega church; there are enough of those around.
b. It is not to steal sheep from other shepherds, stealing is a sin!
c. It is not to build a place where we are all comfortable.
d. It is to bring people into a transforming, life changing encounter with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
3. Our purpose is to lead others in worship of Jesus.
a. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
b. People don’t need programs.
c. People don’t need formulas.
d. People don’t need flashy productions.
e. People need to have a personal encounter with the risen Jesus!
4. Our purpose is to make disciples for Jesus.
a. Matthew 28:19 (NLT)
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
b. It’s just getting them in the door.
c. It’s not just getting them to pray the sinner’s prayer.
d. It’s to teach them to love, serve, and follow Jesus!
Conclusion
1. Jesus has given us:
a. Authority
b. Instructions
c. Faith
d. Purpose
2. Ephesians 1:3 (NLT)
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
3. He has given us everything we will ever need to minister in His name. Now what are we going to do with it?
