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As we read of Jesus sending out these men on this practical mission in Matthew Chapter 10, we learn that Jesus Christ is against sickness and for wholeness. Jesus is against fear, and He wishes people to have saving faith. Jesus is against sin and His desire is to see men and women set free from the grip and hold which sin can have over people.

Jesus does not wish to see people lost and sore and scared and scarred. He wants to see people found and healed and secure and whole.

This command has never been revoked or withdrawn. The kingdom only grows and advances when we are acting and ministering under the authority of God.

On this brief mission they are to take nothing with them which would hinder or hamper their ministry. They are to be free and mobile. They are to act according to the strategy of Jesus and preach the same message as John and Jesus preached – the kingdom of God is near.

God’s strategy was that Israel should bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, and it was only when they refused the Gospel that God turned to the Gentiles directly and mainly through Peter and Paul.

They are to be motivated by single minded selfless service. You are not to be in this for what can get out of it. They are to be uncluttered, with no luggage and no money and no food. There is a sense of real urgency here.

Now, this only applied for a limited period of ministry. At other times they are told to take what they will require.

The people were without a shepherd and these shepherds were to lay down their life for the sheep. This was how they were to serve.

Notice that there is no mention of prayer. Can we say that it is assumed? One man used to say that the only time he prayed was when in public. What did he mean? Prayer was such a natural on-going activity all the time. Personal prayer should not be like a public meeting. How do you pray when walking or driving, or at your desk, or kitchen sink, or garden? Jesus is our friend or chum and brother as well as our Saviour and Lord and King.

Some of those who have written about the saints have failed to show us something of their sheer ordinariness.

Do take time to check out the parallel passage in the opening verses of Luke Chapter 9. When you go a town and knock on someone's door - if they invite you in and offer you hospitality - remain there for the duration of your ministry in that town or area. Don't go running around to see if someone else will offer you better food. Don't go looking for someplace more comfortable. Such running around can often be a sign of anxiety, discontent and greed. Jesus, having called these men, and having given them power and authority, now wanted them to trust Him to provide for the physical needs of His servants. He is teaching, "The way you live, will reflect what you believe."

If you are not received - if in some town, people will not hear your preaching nor receive your ministry - leave that town - move on - shake off the dust from your feet. It will be a testimony against them.

Jesus knew what it was to be welcomed, wanted and received, and He knew what it was to be rejected and told to go away.

Off they go in obedience, preaching and healing. Jesus the king is ruling through His disciples. Jesus realises that not everyone will receive their ministry but does not explain in detail right away. That is just as well as some of us might never attempt anything vital and vibrant for Jesus Christ.

These extraordinary men were really very ordinary throughout their entire life and ministry and service. They went on living like this for the remainder of their lives, and I say this because we do not have evidence of anything otherwise.

In verse 16, Jesus is sending them out as sheep among wolves. He holds back nothing of the cost of being a servant of Jesus Christ. We could almost have thought – I am appointing you as shepherds – no – I am send you out into the world to face a pack of baying hounding savage wolves.

The apostles were assaulted from every side. Jesus never disguised the cost of true discipleship or true service. Verse 16 is a very real warning. We have a description of the apostle and a picture of their foes and at times these foes would be vicious and dangerous.

Be on your guard against men and those who prefer dead religion. You will be handed over to the councils and synagogues. The instruments and vehicles and channels the devil uses is people. There is no greater enemy of living faith, than dead religion.

Verses 18 to 20 refer to the secular authorities and secular society.

Verses 21,22 refer to family life.

In verse 24 there is encouragement but back in verse 16 we are instructed to be wise and shrewd and harmless, which really means unmixed or genuine or sincere. The only thing which stands up to persecution is reality.

What happened to the Master will happen to the servant. This can be a confirmation that we are truly Christ’s. Likeness to Christ does not bring freedom from trouble.

There is no need to live in fear. God will provide. God will vindicate us. It is very important not to be fearful, when you are ridiculed, or isolated, for the Gospel.

What does fear make you do? Compromise!

Verses 37 to 39 – There is a challenge. How much do you really love me?

Verse 38 – How far will you follow me? Will you take up your cross? It is the one who perseveres who will overcome.

Verse 39 – How completely will you live for me? If you let it all go for Me then you will find real life – an exciting life – a satisfied life – a fruitful and fulfilled life.

There is nothing more important in the whole world than to live your life utterly for Jesus Christ.

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

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