Matthew 10: Commissioning the Twelve and the Cost of Discipleship
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, whose surname was Thaddeus;
Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
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:
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
And when ye come into an house, salute it.
And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Matthew 10 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of Matthew, marking a significant transition in Jesus' ministry. Having demonstrated His compassion for the lost sheep of Israel, Jesus now commissions His twelve apostles, equipping them with authority and sending them out to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom. This chapter not only reveals the heart of Jesus' mission but also highlights the challenges and rewards of following Him. It offers profound insights into discipleship, persecution, and the ultimate loyalty demanded of those who choose to align themselves with Christ. This chapter is not just a historical account; it’s a timeless guide for anyone seeking to understand what it truly means to follow Jesus.
The Calling and Authority of the Twelve (Matthew 10:1-4)
Jesus, recognizing the spiritual needs of the people, gathers His twelve disciples and empowers them to extend His work. He bestows upon them His own authority to cast out demons and heal diseases, mirroring the very miracles He Himself had been performing. The term "apostle," derived from the Greek word apostolos, signifies one "sent out" with a specific message and authority. In essence, these men are appointed as Jesus' representatives, entrusted with carrying His message and demonstrating His power.
Matthew carefully lists the names of the twelve apostles, traditionally grouped in pairs, possibly reflecting how Jesus sent them out. These are Peter and Andrew, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. It's noteworthy that Matthew includes Judas, the one who would betray Him, a poignant reminder of the reality of human fallibility even within the closest circles of faith. These men transition from being mere disciples to becoming apostles, underscoring the responsibility and authority they now carry.
Instructions for the Mission (Matthew 10:5-15)
Jesus provides specific instructions for their initial, short-term mission to the towns and cities of Galilee. He directs them to focus primarily on the Israelites, emphasizing that their immediate task is to reach the lost sheep of Israel. This focus on the Jewish people reflects the initial scope of Jesus' ministry, which would later expand to include the Gentiles through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Their message is clear and compelling: "The kingdom of heaven is near." They are to call people to repentance, urging them to prepare for the arrival of God's reign. To authenticate their message, they are given the power to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons – tangible demonstrations of the Kingdom's power and presence.
Jesus instructs them to travel light, without extra money, clothes, or provisions. This isn't a permanent restriction, but a temporary measure designed to teach them radical dependence on God's provision. They are to trust that God will provide for their needs through the hospitality of those who receive them. When they enter a town, they are to seek out "worthy" individuals, those who are receptive to their message, and stay with them, allowing the peace of Jesus to rest upon that household. Conversely, if a town rejects their message, they are to leave, shaking the dust off their feet as a symbolic act of judgment, signifying the consequences of rejecting God's Kingdom. Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of rejecting His messengers by stating that it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for those who reject the message of Jesus.
The Inevitable Persecution (Matthew 10:16-25)
Jesus prepares His apostles for the inevitable persecution they will face as His representatives. He warns them that they will be like "sheep among wolves," a stark reminder of the hostility they will encounter. They will be dragged before religious and secular courts, facing opposition from both Jewish and Gentile authorities.
However, Jesus assures them that the Holy Spirit will empower them to speak boldly and truthfully in these situations. The trials they face will become opportunities to testify about Jesus to rulers and kings, spreading the message of the Kingdom to every level of society.
Jesus acknowledges that His message will cause division, even within families. His reference to bringing a "sword" is not a call to violence, but a recognition that His message will challenge existing loyalties and create conflict between those who believe and those who don't. The apostles are to expect hatred and persecution because they represent Jesus, and as He was persecuted, so too will they be. The goal of a disciple is to become like his teacher. If they called Jesus Beelzebul, the ruler of demons, His followers shouldn’t expect to receive better treatment from the world.
Overcoming Fear with Faith (Matthew 10:26-33)
Amidst the warnings of persecution, Jesus offers profound encouragement, urging His followers not to be afraid. He provides several reasons for their courage. First, He assures them that nothing is hidden that will not be revealed. Ultimately, the truth will prevail, and their faithfulness will be vindicated. Second, He reminds them to fear God, who has the power over both body and soul, rather than those who can only kill the body. Third, He emphasizes the Father's loving care for them. God is sovereign over every detail of their lives, and nothing happens to them without His knowledge and permission. Just as God cares for the smallest sparrow, He cares infinitely more for His children. Hardship is not a sign of abandonment but an opportunity to trust in His unfailing love and power.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of public confession. Those who acknowledge Him before others, He will acknowledge before His Father in heaven. Conversely, those who deny Him before others, He will deny before His Father. Confessing Jesus means publicly affirming faith—to declare it openly and plainly. Being a "secret agent Christian" is not the call of a disciple.
The Cost of Discipleship (Matthew 10:34-39)
Jesus makes it clear that following Him demands absolute loyalty and commitment. He challenges the common perception that He came to bring immediate peace on earth, clarifying that true peace is coming, but not yet fully realized. Association with Jesus can introduce problems in relationships—even within families. Some people will have to choose love of Christ over love of father and mother as their parents demand that they renounce Christ.
He calls His followers to "take up their cross," signifying a willingness to endure hardship and sacrifice for His sake. The "cross" has to do with public identification with Jesus. To bear the cross is to endure hardship specifically because of being a visible and verbal follower of Him. He challenges them to prioritize their love for Him above all else, even family. This doesn't mean believers should "not love" family, but that they must prioritize the will of God.
He presents a paradoxical truth: those who lose their life for His sake will find it. By surrendering their own desires and ambitions, they will discover true life, both now and for eternity.
Receiving the Messengers, Receiving Christ (Matthew 10:40-42)
Jesus concludes this discourse by emphasizing the profound connection between Himself and His disciples. He declares that whoever receives His apostles receives Him, and whoever receives Him receives the Father who sent Him.
A disciple of Jesus Christ is His representative. As Paul would later say, "We are ambassadors for Christ". Showing kindness to Jesus’s disciples because of their public affiliation with Him, Jesus takes notice and will reward such generosity. Even a simple act of kindness, such as giving a cup of cold water to one of His followers, will be rewarded. This underscores the significance of hospitality and the importance of supporting those who are dedicated to spreading the Gospel.
Matthew 10 is a challenging yet encouraging chapter. It reveals the heart of Jesus' mission, the authority He gives to His followers, the inevitable opposition they will face, and the ultimate reward that awaits those who remain faithful. It serves as a timeless call to discipleship, urging us to embrace the cost of following Christ and to trust in His unwavering love and power.
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, whose surname was Thaddeus;
Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
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:
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
And when ye come into an house, salute it.
And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Matthew 10 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of Matthew, marking a significant transition in Jesus' ministry. Having demonstrated His compassion for the lost sheep of Israel, Jesus now commissions His twelve apostles, equipping them with authority and sending them out to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom. This chapter not only reveals the heart of Jesus' mission but also highlights the challenges and rewards of following Him. It offers profound insights into discipleship, persecution, and the ultimate loyalty demanded of those who choose to align themselves with Christ. This chapter is not just a historical account; it’s a timeless guide for anyone seeking to understand what it truly means to follow Jesus.
The Calling and Authority of the Twelve (Matthew 10:1-4)
Jesus, recognizing the spiritual needs of the people, gathers His twelve disciples and empowers them to extend His work. He bestows upon them His own authority to cast out demons and heal diseases, mirroring the very miracles He Himself had been performing. The term "apostle," derived from the Greek word apostolos, signifies one "sent out" with a specific message and authority. In essence, these men are appointed as Jesus' representatives, entrusted with carrying His message and demonstrating His power.
Matthew carefully lists the names of the twelve apostles, traditionally grouped in pairs, possibly reflecting how Jesus sent them out. These are Peter and Andrew, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. It's noteworthy that Matthew includes Judas, the one who would betray Him, a poignant reminder of the reality of human fallibility even within the closest circles of faith. These men transition from being mere disciples to becoming apostles, underscoring the responsibility and authority they now carry.
Instructions for the Mission (Matthew 10:5-15)
Jesus provides specific instructions for their initial, short-term mission to the towns and cities of Galilee. He directs them to focus primarily on the Israelites, emphasizing that their immediate task is to reach the lost sheep of Israel. This focus on the Jewish people reflects the initial scope of Jesus' ministry, which would later expand to include the Gentiles through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Their message is clear and compelling: "The kingdom of heaven is near." They are to call people to repentance, urging them to prepare for the arrival of God's reign. To authenticate their message, they are given the power to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons – tangible demonstrations of the Kingdom's power and presence.
Jesus instructs them to travel light, without extra money, clothes, or provisions. This isn't a permanent restriction, but a temporary measure designed to teach them radical dependence on God's provision. They are to trust that God will provide for their needs through the hospitality of those who receive them. When they enter a town, they are to seek out "worthy" individuals, those who are receptive to their message, and stay with them, allowing the peace of Jesus to rest upon that household. Conversely, if a town rejects their message, they are to leave, shaking the dust off their feet as a symbolic act of judgment, signifying the consequences of rejecting God's Kingdom. Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of rejecting His messengers by stating that it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for those who reject the message of Jesus.
The Inevitable Persecution (Matthew 10:16-25)
Jesus prepares His apostles for the inevitable persecution they will face as His representatives. He warns them that they will be like "sheep among wolves," a stark reminder of the hostility they will encounter. They will be dragged before religious and secular courts, facing opposition from both Jewish and Gentile authorities.
However, Jesus assures them that the Holy Spirit will empower them to speak boldly and truthfully in these situations. The trials they face will become opportunities to testify about Jesus to rulers and kings, spreading the message of the Kingdom to every level of society.
Jesus acknowledges that His message will cause division, even within families. His reference to bringing a "sword" is not a call to violence, but a recognition that His message will challenge existing loyalties and create conflict between those who believe and those who don't. The apostles are to expect hatred and persecution because they represent Jesus, and as He was persecuted, so too will they be. The goal of a disciple is to become like his teacher. If they called Jesus Beelzebul, the ruler of demons, His followers shouldn’t expect to receive better treatment from the world.
Overcoming Fear with Faith (Matthew 10:26-33)
Amidst the warnings of persecution, Jesus offers profound encouragement, urging His followers not to be afraid. He provides several reasons for their courage. First, He assures them that nothing is hidden that will not be revealed. Ultimately, the truth will prevail, and their faithfulness will be vindicated. Second, He reminds them to fear God, who has the power over both body and soul, rather than those who can only kill the body. Third, He emphasizes the Father's loving care for them. God is sovereign over every detail of their lives, and nothing happens to them without His knowledge and permission. Just as God cares for the smallest sparrow, He cares infinitely more for His children. Hardship is not a sign of abandonment but an opportunity to trust in His unfailing love and power.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of public confession. Those who acknowledge Him before others, He will acknowledge before His Father in heaven. Conversely, those who deny Him before others, He will deny before His Father. Confessing Jesus means publicly affirming faith—to declare it openly and plainly. Being a "secret agent Christian" is not the call of a disciple.
The Cost of Discipleship (Matthew 10:34-39)
Jesus makes it clear that following Him demands absolute loyalty and commitment. He challenges the common perception that He came to bring immediate peace on earth, clarifying that true peace is coming, but not yet fully realized. Association with Jesus can introduce problems in relationships—even within families. Some people will have to choose love of Christ over love of father and mother as their parents demand that they renounce Christ.
He calls His followers to "take up their cross," signifying a willingness to endure hardship and sacrifice for His sake. The "cross" has to do with public identification with Jesus. To bear the cross is to endure hardship specifically because of being a visible and verbal follower of Him. He challenges them to prioritize their love for Him above all else, even family. This doesn't mean believers should "not love" family, but that they must prioritize the will of God.
He presents a paradoxical truth: those who lose their life for His sake will find it. By surrendering their own desires and ambitions, they will discover true life, both now and for eternity.
Receiving the Messengers, Receiving Christ (Matthew 10:40-42)
Jesus concludes this discourse by emphasizing the profound connection between Himself and His disciples. He declares that whoever receives His apostles receives Him, and whoever receives Him receives the Father who sent Him.
A disciple of Jesus Christ is His representative. As Paul would later say, "We are ambassadors for Christ". Showing kindness to Jesus’s disciples because of their public affiliation with Him, Jesus takes notice and will reward such generosity. Even a simple act of kindness, such as giving a cup of cold water to one of His followers, will be rewarded. This underscores the significance of hospitality and the importance of supporting those who are dedicated to spreading the Gospel.
Matthew 10 is a challenging yet encouraging chapter. It reveals the heart of Jesus' mission, the authority He gives to His followers, the inevitable opposition they will face, and the ultimate reward that awaits those who remain faithful. It serves as a timeless call to discipleship, urging us to embrace the cost of following Christ and to trust in His unwavering love and power.