The Cost Of Following Christ | Matthew 9:35-10:42 Series

Then verse 2 to 4 is sort of a roll call, if you may, of His team. But what I want to highlight here is that this is the first time they are called apostles; not disciples anymore. The authority passed on to His disciples elevated them a notch higher than just being followers or disciples. From follower to crusaders. Apostles. His team of apostle-athletes were diverse. They came from different backgrounds, upbringing, education and credentials. They were handpicked for the mission ahead.

And now it's game time, time to send them out. And as I mentioned earlier, Jesus was ready for this moment. This game plan was well thought of and it came with specific instructions detailed in verses 5 through 15. Jesus would specifically tell them the who, what, where, and I think even the why of the whole mission. He starts off with who -- who are the people they are to reach. In verse 6, they are to seek out the lost sheep of Israel -- the Israelites.

Then He tells them what to do. That's in verse 7. They had to do two things -- proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is near and to exercise their divine authority. Now let's pause a bit to talk about what Jesus meant by "The kingdom of heaven is near." This message is the good news that God is accessible. He is not as far away as what some people think He is.

Throughout history, man lived a life that is separated from God. But Jesus knows that there is an emptiness in man's hearts -- like sheep without a shepherd. People long for something more than this world can offer and that is the kingdom of God. Jesus knew that people are suffering from sin and its consequences, suffering from the burden of guilt; and the good news of Jesus is the solution. This message had to be proclaimed.

Now Jesus also told them that they were to exercise their divine authority -- to heal the sick, raise the dead and drive out demons; and I can imagine His apostles were really excited. I mean perhaps they couldn't wait to go! They couldn't wait to perform. Right? They couldn't wait to do what Jesus had been doing.

In verse 9, you are not going to earn anything from this mission. No silver or gold or copper. In fact, do not bring anything extra with you -- not your favorite shirt or running shoes or even your equipment. Jesus tells them "for the worker is worth his keep"; basically telling them to completely depend on God for their provisions. And I guess maybe some of His apostles were already thinking, "Wait, wait, wait. Can you say that again, Lord? Um, no money, no extra clothing and now no assurance of provision?"

The apostles were probably having some doubts. Perhaps that wasn't how they perceived the cost of following Christ. They didn't know that it would require complete and utter surrender. Surrendering all creature comforts for the gospel, surrendering their decisions for the sake of compassion, surrendering their will to God for the sake of love for the multitude. It wasn't going to be easy. It would require sacrifice and humility, love and compassion.