Matthew 10:1-15 Go out and Proclaim
What does it mean to care for others, to be compassionate?
In Matthew chapters 8-9 we have been told about the astonishing authority of Jesus:
The healing of a man with leprosy
The healing of the paralysed centurion’s servant.
The healing of Peter’s mother in law so she could ‘begin to wait on him’.
The calming of the storm.
The healing of two demon possessed men.
The healing of a paralytic and the forgiveness of his sin.
The rising of a dead girl.
The healing of two blind men and a mute man.
It is no wonder that crowds flocked to see and hear Jesus, saying:
“Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel”. Matthew 9:33
This is the point Matthew is making. In the Old Testament God had promised that he would send a man, the Son of God, as His eternal King, his Messiah who would lead his people for ever. He would be recognised to have God’s authority by such supernatural miracles. They had waited a long time and many had lost interest but now he had arrived. Jesus claimed to be that king and by his character and actions he proved it.
The question everybody needs to decide is whether Jesus is that Messiah and why did he enter into this world. Did he intend to become a nationalist independence leader who would defeat the Romans or was his kingdom of a different kind? The end of Matthew chapter 9 gives us a summary of what Jesus thought was important:
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:35-36
This was not the sort of king who thought the end justifies the means and was willing to sacrifice the lives of others for his own glory:
“. . . he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
How did Jesus care for all these people with their different needs. How did his compassion demonstrate itself? This current passage gives us the answer. He sends out his twelve representatives with his authority. Can you name them? Two generations ago most people could do this but today we do suffer from Biblical illiteracy!
Why did Jesus chose 12 disciples? In the past God had chosen the twelve tribes of Israel and their descendants to be his representatives to all nations of the world. However by the time Jesus came God’s people, the Jews, were not in a healthy state. They had forgotten what it meant to be holy and they had forgotten that their commission was to tell God's gospel to the nations. Now Jesus, God’s Messiah had come to re-establish God’s Kingdom yet the religious leaders had denounced him saying:
“It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.” Matthew 9:34
They couldn’t deny the miracles, so many people had witnessed them, they could only deny their significance.
Jesus therefore called the twelve to be the start of a new Israel. He is redefining what God’s Kingdom is meant to be.
Just as Jahweh had chosen the twelve children of Jacob to lead his people, now Jesus the King has chosen twelve new leaders of his people. The true people of God are those in the service of Jesus Christ, Jesus the Messiah, their Saviour.
The Function of the Twelve
The disciples, which means ‘learners’, are now called ‘apostles’, those ‘sent out’. It was Jesus who sent them on this trial run. They were to be his representatives:
“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority . . .” Matthew 10:1
Jesus then goes into detail what they were meant to do:
“These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew 10:5-8
These are staggering verses. These disciples were meant to act as Jesus had. Telling people about the Kingdom of God and that its King had arrived was vital but it was to be supported by miracles, in the same way that Jesus’ claims were backed by the supernatural. Their message was the same as that of Jesus; remember how Jesus started his own ministry:
“ From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17
The kingdom of God had arrived because its King was here. Their actions, to support their claim to having God’s authority, were also to be the same as those of Jesus:
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.”
So the twelve were being sent out to continue the work of Jesus. Indeed now teams were going out this work would be multiplied. After Pentecost the growth of Christ’s Kingdom became exponential. Jesus’ plan is to spread the message about himself and His Kingdom because the nations need him desperately.
This mission was in its early stages, they were to start with Israel first. The early church had the same approach. First they went around the synagogues and brought all those Jews and God-fearers, who were willing, into Christ’s Kingdom. Only then did they go out to the nations. This was agin how Jesus had planned the growth of his church. He said, just before Pentecost:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
One interesting feature of this mission training was that they were to travel light. This would make them dependant on the hospitality of those in the villages they had come to witness to.
Notice what the priority must always be:
“ As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Matthew 10:7
Proclamation is always the priority of the church; sharing this message is the best way to care for people who will face death and God’s judgment at some time.
Miracles today
People wonder whether we shouldn’t see these miracles today. Shouldn’t we be seeing the dead raised and paralytics walking? It is important to realise that this gift was given to the apostles, the foundations of the church. Their role was very distinctive. In the New Testament we are repeatedly told that it was the apostles who were given authority by Christ and performed miracles. Jesus called his twelve disciples:
“. . . and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” Matthew 10:1
Luke writes that after Pentecost:
“. . . everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles" right after the birth of the early church.” Acts 2:43
Acts 5:12 explicitly notes,
"The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people".
Acts 14:3: Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium, where the Lord
". . . confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders".
Paul describes his ministry as being accomplished:
"by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God". Romans 15:19
Paul defends his role by stating,
"The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance". 2 Corinthians 12:12
Jesus has not appointed anyone since with their authority. It does not follow that all Christians will have their authority to perform miracles. It is significant that those who claim to have supernatural gifts today tend to exhibit themselves in theatrical situations where people’s emotions are first raised to a high pitch. Furthermore, independent claims by doctors of their so-called healings have all denied the claims of the spiritual healers. Neither Jesus nor his apostles manipulated people’s emotions. However we serve the same powerful God today who created the universe and can do any miracle he wants, at any time, because his God. Praise him that people are healed today. All disease is a work of evil, there will therefor be no disease in heaven. God’s control of treatment through medicine and surgery are all aspects of his love and care for us; we are still told to pray about everything.
2. The Kings message is ‘Peace’
“Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.” Matthew 10:11-13
Jesus has already told the disciples to go around proclaiming that ‘the kingdom of God is at hand.’ They were to travel light, enter new towns and villages and proclaim this message. The residents will have too decide whether to welcome them, look after them or reject them.
How they treat the disciples will be a reflection on how they treat the King. A worthy house will be one that accepts the message about the Kingdom of God being ‘at hand’. Clearly the meaning of ‘Peace to you’ meant a lot. In first century Israel people often offered a nominal peace when greeting people but this peace is much more. This is the peace that God gives to all those who accept the king and his Kingdom. It is a real deep experience and not simply a platitude reflected in a longing to obey what the King commands. It was not a call for a nationalistic uprising again the Romans but it is the most fundamental peace of all, ‘Peace with God’
When Jesus was full of compassion for the mass of people, this is how he helped:
“ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
When we pass people in the street on or a walk it is customary to say a cursory ‘Good Morning’ or ‘Good afternoon’ or simply ‘Hi’. When I was a young child on holiday in Austria I was amazed at the way nearly everyone we passed said, ‘Grüss Gott’. This translates literally as 'Greet God,’ but now even this phrase functions as our ‘hello’ or ‘good day.’ It is a common misconception that the words ‘good’ and ‘God’ are related, but they are not. Our word ‘good’ comes from the Old English word gōd, which traces back through Germanic languages to a root meaning ‘fit,’ ‘suitable,’ or ‘to unite.’ In Old English the word gōd appeared, with a long ‘o’ sound, carrying the early Germanic connotations of efficiency, strength, or being well-suited for a task rather than purely abstract moral ‘goodness’. Linguists confirm that "good" and "God" share no etymological connection.
When Jesus was full of compassion for them and this is how he helped:
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
This language about shepherds comes from the Jewish Scriptures. The previous shepherds of Israel had largely failed. Read the book of Kings and so many of the kings are described as ‘He did evil in the eyes of the LORD’. People desperately need good leaders they can trust. All of the life of potential leaders, personal relationships, financial dealings, previous record and ambitions, when examined leaves most falling far short. Jesus alone stands out. Jesus’ compassion is demonstrated in that he longed to give people this ‘peace’. David understood who the perfect shepherd has to be:
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want . . .” Psalm 23:1
The real perfect shepherd is the Lord himself. People need to be gathered in by this shepherd. This can only happen if we are willing to make peace with our creator. We are the sheep and he is the Shepherd.
Jesus shows his compassion by coming into this dark world to bring us this peace. It meant him having to die on that cross as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. For us to have peace Jesus had to die. This is the message of the disciples, it is the message the Lord wants everyone to hear.
3. The King’s Warning of Judgment
“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” Matthew 10:14-15
The final part of God’s message is a strong warning. Warnings can be compassionate and caring.
All cigarette packets carry a warning that smoking can harm your health. Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ in the body, significantly increasing the risk of developing numerous chronic and fatal illnesses. According to data from organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) the most common diseases suffered by smokers and their increased risk multipliers include:
1. Respiratory Diseases
Smokers are 15 to 30 times more likely to develop or die from lung cancer compared to non-smokers. Tobacco use is responsible for roughly 90% of all lung cancer cases.
Smokers are highly susceptible to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Men who smoke increase their risk of dying from these conditions by 17 times. Smoking accounts for 80% to 90% of all Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease deaths.
2. Cardiovascular Diseases
Smokers are 2 to 4 times more likely to suffer from heart disease or experience a heart attack than non-smokers. Tobacco use restricts blood flow to the brain, making smokers 2 to 4 times more likely to suffer a stroke. Smokers face a 4 times higher risk of developing narrowed blood vessels in their limbs, which can lead to severe pain and potential amputation. Smokers are vastly more prone to a ruptured aorta, the main blood vessel delivering blood to the body.
3. Other Major Cancers
Smokers face significantly higher rates of oral, pharyngeal, and oesophageal cancers. The risk of oesophageal cancer is roughly 2.5 to 2.8 times higher. Bladder, Kidney, and Liver Cancers: Smokers are roughly 3 times more likely to develop bladder cancer and face elevated multipliers for renal and hepatic malignancies.
4. Metabolic and Autoimmune Conditions
Smokers are 1.3 to 1.4 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-smokers. Active smoking also accelerates diabetes complications like kidney disease and blindness. Smoking weakens the immune system and causes generalised systemic inflammation, significantly increasing the risk of this painful joint condition.
Is it loving to warn people about the danger of smoking? Of course it is.
No-one likes to hear bad news, so why does Jesus warn people. He does it because he loves us. His warning is terrifying. Jesus is saying, if they reject the message from the King they are in fact rejecting God. Therefore treat that Jewish house or town as if they are pagan. They are cut of from God because they have rejected him and his message.
“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” Matthew 10:14-15
Those Jewish homes and towns thought they were acceptable to God because God had accepted their ancestors in the past, but because God’s King is now rejected they too will be rejected by God. This message underlines Jesus’ claim to be the only Son of God and the only way into God’s Kingdom. Our eternal destination is determined by how we respond to Jesus. Hiding behind a religion, a church affiliation or even a relatively moral lifestyle will not save anybody. Didn’t Jesus say:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
There are many who shrug their shoulders and think:
‘So what! I don’t care! What if the disciples did shake the dust from their feet. Life will go on.’
This is to forget that there is a judgment to come, when we will have to give an account for the decisions we have made. Jesus says:
“Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” Matthew 10:15
Sodom and Gomorrah rejected God and his ways, with the result that God became angry and reigned down fire and sulphur from heaven. Abraham looked on, it was ‘like smoke from a furnace.’
Language such as this is not usually considered to be compassionate. Some may consider it to be judgmental, cruel, vindictive and unkind. Note however who is saying this. If Jesus was just another religious leader, some quack con-man, what he says could be overlooked but if Jesus really is God’s King who performed such extraordinary miracles, who taught so sublimely, who fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, was willing to die because of the depth of his love and who rose again as the Scriptures foretold he would and so many witnessed, then obviously we must take this warning seriously.
If he is God’s King, it is really compassionate for him to speak like this ahead of time. Jesus is trying to bring people to their senses, to help them make a decision about Jesus, get on his side before facing him in judgment.
The apostles went out to Israel with this message but now it has gone out to ‘the ends of the earth.’ The day of judgment has not yet arrived but God is warning us. There is still time to turn to Jesus as my King or return to him and there is still time for us all to pass on Jesus’ message.
Jesus is not the enemy of people, he is our friend and Saviour and everyone needs to know about him.
BVP
If you would like to discuss further please get in touch with me on berniepalmer1@sky.com My website, www.bvpalmer.com contains many interesting articles on a wide variety of subjects.
