PASSAGE: Matthew 10:1–7

SERIES SUMMARY 

As Jesus steps onto the scene of history, Matthew paints a picture of him that invites our participation in what Jesus is doing. The portrait is that Jesus is the True King who is bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth. This good news is not reserved for especially religious people in a distant future; it’s good news, right now, for ordinary people who come to Jesus in faith. 

And while Jesus inaugurated the kingdom among us through teaching and serving in dozens of ways, he ultimately brought heaven to earth by embracing the cross as his throne and wearing thorns as his crown. In doing this, he broke the powers of the kingdom(s) of this world and opened up God’s new world through his resurrection. Now, because of these things, discipleship to Jesus is about praying and living “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.” It is about whole-life transformation and embodying kingdom realities. It is about becoming people who naturally live out what Jesus taught. Today, because of Matthew’s witness and Jesus’ ministry, the kingdom is coming in our own lives, “on earth as it is in heaven.”

PASSAGE GUIDE

In Matthew 10:1–7, Jesus calls his twelve disciples to himself and gives them authority over unclean spirits and every disease and affliction. This commission grows out of his compassion for the crowds in 9:35–38. He sees people who are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, and tells his disciples to pray for workers. Now those instructed to ask for workers are themselves sent into the harvest. Before there is a commission, there is compassion. The mission belongs to Jesus, and the authority to participate in it comes from him.

Matthew names the twelve apostles, including Matthew the tax collector, Simon the Zealot, and Judas, who would betray Jesus. These men serve as his representatives, and their authority remains subject to his direction. Judas’s inclusion reminds us that receiving a ministry assignment does not itself demonstrate a faithful heart. The authority Jesus gives is defined by his purposes and exercised in dependence on him. It is directed against what afflicts people. Representing Jesus never gives his followers permission to control those they are called to serve.

Jesus sends the Twelve to the lost sheep of Israel, instructing them to avoid Gentile and Samaritan communities on this journey. This is a particular stage in the mission of Israel’s Messiah. They are to announce that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. Their proclamation and these signs belong together: they announce the King’s reign and demonstrate his power to restore. The ministry they have watched Jesus carry out now extends through them under his authority.

By the end of Matthew, the crucified and risen Jesus sends his followers to make disciples of all nations (28:18–20). Our place in his mission follows that commission. The apostles have a foundational role in the church (Ephesians 2:20), and we should not assume that every believer receives their identical assignment or gifts. The Spirit distributes gifts as he determines (1 Corinthians 12:11). Jesus continues to equip his people to speak his gospel, pray in his name, and serve with his compassion. Different assignment. Same Lord. Real dependence. We can ask boldly for healing while entrusting the answer to him. Our confidence rests in his authority and promised presence.

The one who sends us is the one who gave himself for us. Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28), accomplishing the rescue we could never secure. His death and resurrection secure our acceptance with God, freeing us from trying to prove our worth through ministry. Having received his compassion ourselves, we can bring him our fear, reluctance, and uncertainty, asking his Spirit to shape our desires and supply strength to obey. A conversation, an offer to pray, or patient care can become a next faithful step. Leaving the outcome with Jesus does not mean walking away from the person. His grace frees us to remain faithfully present without needing to control what happens next.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Jesus calls his people into his compassionate mission, giving them their assignment and supplying what they need to serve in dependence on him.
• Different assignment. Same Lord. Real dependence.
• The Twelve’s authority was given by Jesus, defined by his commission, and exercised in dependence on him.
• We can pray boldly in Jesus’ name without claiming control over the answer.
• The one who sends us is the one who gave himself for us.
• Leaving the outcome with Jesus does not mean walking away from the person.
• Matthew 10:1–8 | The Twelve Then and the Church Today Chart

*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.

SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS    

These are “suggested” questions. You do not have to go through every single one of them. Remember: the text is the focus; the sermon is a commentary. Discuss and apply in the group.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (Read Matthew 10:1-7)

1. What stood out to you from the passage?
2. Jesus had just told his disciples to pray for workers. What do you notice about what happens next?
3. What does the authority Jesus gives the Twelve reveal about his power and his compassion?
4. Why do you think Jesus pairs announcing the kingdom with healing and deliverance?
5. Jesus sends the Twelve to Israel, but later sends his followers to all nations. How does that help us understand our place in his mission?
6. How can we pray for someone who is sick with real confidence when we cannot promise the outcome?
7. What difference does it make that the one who sends us is also the one who gave his life for us?
8. How does wanting to control an outcome affect the way you care for someone or speak with them about Jesus?
9. How can we help one another stay present with people whose needs we cannot fix?
10. What is a next faithful step you could take toward someone this week, depending on Jesus as you take it?

LIFE ON MISSION THIS WEEK 

• Pray: Pray for one person by name who doesn't yet know Jesus. Ask God to draw them to Himself and show you how to love them well.
• Serve: Our church has committed to providing Christmas gifts for the men at Miracle Hill’s Greenville Rescue Mission, and we need your help! We’re looking for individuals and groups to purchase items by December 8 so every man can receive a full gift bag this Christmas.