I have entitled our sermon this morning, “An Extraordinary Commission,” and this will be Part 2. The word “extra-ordinary” means “outside, above and beyond the ordinary,” which is what we saw in our last message, when Jesus gave His disciples “power over unclean spirits” (Matthew 10:1); and commissioned them to “heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons” (v. 8). We looked at these extraordinary abilities, and considered if they might possibly apply to followers of Christ today. For some of us, such a notion is challenging in our western rationalistic society; however, this morning, we will look at a concept that is more readily accepted; that Jesus has given His disciples a commission to evangelize the world. I want to invite you to stand with me in honor of God’s Word as I read Matthew chapter 10, verses 5-7 and verses 9-15:
5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand’ . . . 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food. 11 Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”
Jesus Gave an Evangelistic Commission
Let me get started by acknowledging the elephant in the room; the prohibition against going to the Gentiles. I am going to put the elephant back in the pen for now, and bring him out in just a moment. In the last message from our two-part series, “An Extraordinary Commission (Part 1),” we began looking at how Jesus gave His disciples the authority to heal every sickness and disease, just as He did; but here, we begin to see how He also gave them the authority to PREACH. In verse 7, He specifically stated, “And as you go, PREACH.” In our last sermon, we looked at the content of their message – the kingdom of heaven is at hand – and so, we are going to skip that part today; but what I want us to take away, is how part of the task given to the twelve was an evangelistic commission.
Mark Dever, in his book What Is a Healthy Church, says that evangelism is more than doing good deeds. He defines evangelism as “speaking words,” and elaborates on how it is “being faithful to God by presenting the good news . . . that Christ, by His death and resurrection, has secured a way for a holy God and sinful people to be reconciled.”(1) In Romans 10:14, Paul asked, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” The healing of sickness and disease will definitely open people’s hearts, but they cannot put their faith in Christ until they first know what they believe. Knowledge must be communicated, which takes more than doing good deeds; it requires words or preaching.
Now, in addition to the direct command, “and as you go preach” (v. 7), there are two phrases that suggest how evangelism was expected as part of their kingdom efforts. In verse 5, we read how Jesus both “sent out” the twelve and He “commanded them.” The phrase “sent out,” implies the work of an itinerant evangelist, and the phrase “commanded them,” implies a commission, such as a missionary commission. The Greek word used for how Jesus “commanded” His disciples is paraggellein, which according to commentator William Barclay has four special uses, which I am going to share with you right now:
“1.) It is the regular word of military command: Jesus was like a general sending His commanders out on a campaign, and briefing them before they went. 2.) It is the word used of calling one’s friends to one’s help. Jesus was like a man with a great idea summoning His friends to make that idea come true. 3.) It is the word which is used of a teacher or philosopher giving rules and precepts to his students or disciples. Jesus was like a teacher sending His students out into the world, equipped with His teaching and His message. 4.) It is the word which is regularly used for an imperial command. Jesus was like a king dispatching his ambassadors into the world to carry out His orders and to speak for Him.”(2)
In addressing the last use of the word “commanded” (v. 5) – how Jesus was like a king dispatching His ambassadors into the world – the Bible teaches that believers are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20); and part of the job of an ambassador is to speak words. For Paul, these words contained the gospel message. In Ephesians 6:19-20, he said, “[Pray] for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” So, in sending them out and commanding them to preach, Jesus gave the twelve an evangelistic commission as part of their assignment.
Forbidden to Share with the Gentiles
So, allow me to bring the elephant back out of the pen and discuss something that may seem somewhat perplexing. In verses 5-6, we read how “the twelve are forbidden to go to the Gentiles. [This] meant that they could not go north into Syria, nor could they even go east into the Decapolis, which was largely a Gentile region. They could not go south into Samaria for that was forbidden [too]. The effect of this order is . . . to limit the first journeys of the twelve to Galilee.”(3) Let me point out that Jesus was not opposed to preaching to the Gentiles, as His message was later opened to them.
There were three good reasons for limiting the disciples’ efforts to Galilee: “1.) The Jews had in God’s [plan] of things a very special place . . . 2.) The twelve were not equipped to preach to the Gentiles . . . Before the gospel could be effectively brought to [them], a man with Paul’s life and background had to emerge . . . 3.) Any wise commander knows that he must limit his objectives. He must direct his attack at one chosen point . . . Jesus knew that His aim was to concentrate His attack on Galilee, for Galilee . . . was the most open of all parts of [ancient] Palestine to a new gospel and new message.”(4) The Jews were to receive His message first; and after they had an opportunity to believe – and after many had also rejected Jesus – His message was then delivered to the Gentiles.
Let us not allow ourselves to get hung up on this puzzling statement, but let us glean from this passage what we can, and apply it to our understanding of evangelism. What we can take from verse 6, is that Jesus expects His followers to “GO” on His behalf. He said, “GO rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (v. 6), and “as you GO, preach” (v. 7). This expectation to GO is resounded later in the Great Commission, when Jesus declared, “GO therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Depending on God to Open the Doors
When we skip down and look at verse 9, Jesus said, “Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor copper in your money belts.” The word for “belts” (zonas) refers to “a girdle, [or] belt, serving not only to gird [up] flowing garments, but also, since it was hollow, to carry money in.”(5) In verse 10, Jesus said, “Nor [provide] bag for your journey . . . for a worker is worthy of his food.” “The word for “bag” (peran) could mean a bag used for carrying food or other supplies; but the word can also be translated as “wallet,” like one that is used for carrying money, and which was hidden inside the belt (zonas).(6) Jesus was telling them to take no money or food with them, but to depend on the generosity of others. When they did, they were ultimately depending on God to literally open the doors; the doors of people’s homes, that is.
“Missionary statesman Hudson Taylor had complete trust in God’s faithfulness [and provision]. In his journal he wrote: ‘Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning . . . He sustained three million Israelites in the wilderness for forty years. We do not expect He will send three million missionaries to China; but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all . . . Depend on it, God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply’.”(7)
In verse 10, Jesus said, “Nor [provide] two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs.” “The ‘tunic’ (chiton) was a coat worn over the shirt and under the [outer] cloak.”(8) The “sandals” are self-explanatory; and the “staff” (rabdon) refers to a stick, possibly [used] for defense.”(9) God provides food and shelter; but Jesus was saying that He also provides clothing and protection; protection from literal lions and wolves; and protection from our adversary the devil who “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). In Psalm 61, David declared “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah” (Psalm, 61:2b-4).
Searching for the Person of Peace
Look at verses 11-13. When Jesus’ disciples traveled sharing the message of the kingdom, they were supposed to stay in people’s homes. As they entered a house, Jesus said to “let your peace come upon it” (v. 13). One way to interpret this phrase is that Jesus meant they were to abide in these homes sharing the gospel and teaching the Scripture. Additionally, Luke records Jesus as telling the twelve, “Do not go from house to house” (Luke 10:7), which meant they needed to remain there until their time was completed, as long as necessary, before they moved on to another house.
Keep in mind that the disciples could only stay and teach in a house if they encountered one who was worthy (v. 11). Luke says they had to find a “son of peace” (Luke 10:6). A son of peace is a welcoming individual who is receptive to Christ’s evangelists and teachers. He will open his home to the teaching of the gospel, and be a key person in meeting other potential prospects in the area. Church planting theory says that once you become acquainted with a “son of peace” then you can have him introduce you to his friends and family, and you can soon begin growing a home Bible study.
Jesus said you should “let your peace come upon it,” upon that house, “but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you” (v. 13). Commentator Frank Stagg says that “their peace was thought of as more than a greeting; [it was seen] as something more substantial, a word clothed with power, which could come upon a home or return to the disciples.”(10) The Bible teaches that our words have power; the power of blessing and cursing. When we leave a house, we can either speak a blessing or withhold a blessing; but we should never intentionally curse an individual or a household. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you.”
Shake Off the Dust from Your Feet
When we leave a house, we should say something good; or in the words of the Christian rock group Third Day, “If you can’t say nothing good; don’t say nothing at all!” So, we are not meant to speak anything bad over a household, but what about expressing disapproval through our actions or behavior? This “seems” to be commanded in verses 14-15. Jesus said, “And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet” (v. 14). Commentator John Gill says, “There seems to be an allusion [here] to some maxims and customs of the Jews, with respect to the dust of heathen countries.”(11) Allow me to share two examples:
Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (1138–1204), commonly known as Maimonides, “makes this remark: ‘The dust of a field that has a grave in it, and the dust which is [outside] the land of Israel, defile [a person] by touching . . . It is unclean’.”(12) Gill continues to say that R. Jeremiah, a doctor of Jewish oral tradition, which is called Mishnah, “teaches that they do not bring herbs from [outside] the land of Israel into it, [except the] Rabbis permit it,” because they do not want to bring in the dust that is on the herbs; and so, “they take care of their dust . . . lest there should be brought with it any of the dust of the land of the Gentiles, which defiles in the tent, and pollutes the purity of the land of Israel.”(13)
In Acts chapter 13, we read about Paul and Barnabas preaching to the Gentiles of Antioch who were hungry for the gospel. The Jews became envious of the large crowd they attracted; and so, the Jews stirred up the crowd against them, and had them driven out of the city. In Acts 13:51, we read of Paul and Barnabas that “they shook off the dust from their feet against them,” against the Jews of Antioch, “and came to Iconium.” “To shake off the dust from one’s feet was a Jewish practice when leaving Gentile soil, considered by them ‘unclean.’ [But] Jews who reject[ed] the gospel [were also seen as] unclean,”(14) and no better than the Gentiles. Now, whether Paul and Barnabas did this symbolic action publicly or privately is unknown.
Here in Matthew, it was probably not done in the presence of the household, or openly before the city. It was likely done in private as they were departing. Why? Because it is not up to us to pronounce judgement. Those who reject the gospel will one day be tried on the day of judgement. In verse 15, Jesus said, “It will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” The judgement for those household members who reject the gospel will take place “in the day of judgement” (v. 15), and not until then. We must remember that God is the One who judges. It is not up to us! In Romans 12:19, Paul said, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves . . . for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
According to the website GotQuestions.org, this action was also symbolic “that one has done all that can be done in a situation, and therefore, carries no further responsibility for it.”(15) To apply this: “There are situations in our lives where God calls us to stand firm, proclaim truth, and give patient testimony. Sometimes we need to continue until we see the results of that testimony. Other times, God gives us the freedom to move on. We figuratively ‘shake the dust off our feet’ when, under the Holy Spirit’s direction, we surrender those people to the Lord and emotionally let go. We have the freedom, then, to move into the next phase of ministry. Jesus’ instruction to ‘shake the dust off our feet’ reminds us that we are only responsible for our obedience to God, not for the results of that obedience.”(16)
Time of Reflection
In summary, Jesus gave His disciples a commission to GO and PREACH; to not only do good deeds, but use words. In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul said, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” Jesus assured the twelve that He would provide them food, clothing, and shelter for their journey through the hospitality of others; and that He would even provide them protection. The Holy Spirit would also guide them to those whose hearts were receptive to the gospel; many of whom would believe in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. But some, who were initially eager to learn, would unfortunately reject them and their message; to which Jesus said to shake the dust off your feet and move on. Do not let it get you down and knock you out of the race; but you can keep praying for those people.
Maybe there is someone here today who could be described as a person of peace. You are receptive to Christ’s evangelists and teachers, and you are eager to hear the preaching of the gospel message, which explains why you have been attending church, even though you are not presently a believer. What this means is that the Holy Spirit is at work in your heart and life, as Christ is drawing you to Himself. Jesus said in John 6:44, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.” If you will confess Jesus as Savior and Lord, you will be forgiven of your sins and be raised up into eternal life at the last day, just as Jesus promised; and so, as we have our time of invitation, I encourage you to walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit.
NOTES
(1) Mark Dever, What Is a Healthy Church? (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 2007), p. 91.
(2) William Barclay, “The Gospel of Matthew,” The Daily Bible Study, vol. 1 (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1958), p. 372.
(3) Ibid., p. 374.
(4) Ibid., p. 374.
(5) Larry Pierce, “Zonas,” Outline of Biblical Usage: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2223/kjv/tr/0-1/ (Accessed March 19, 2025).
(6) Frank Stagg, “Matthew,” The Broadman Bible Commentary, vol. 8 (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1969), p. 135; also, Strong’s, G4082, “Pera,” Blue Letter Bible: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4082/kjv/tr/0-1/ (Accessed March 19, 2025).
(7) “Provision,” Sermon Illustrations: https://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/p/provision.htm (Accessed April 22, 2025).
(8) Stagg, p. 135.
(9) Ibid., p. 135.
(10) Ibid., p. 135.
(11) John Gill, John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-10-14.html (Accessed April 24, 2025).
(12) Ibid.
(13) Ibid.
(14) Stagg, p. 135.
(15) What Does It Mean to Shake the Dust Off Your Feet?” Got Questions: https://www.gotquestions.org/shake-dust-off-feet.html (Accessed April 22, 2025).
(16) Ibid.
