The twelve disciples are such an important part of the gospels! In Matthew 10:2 we’re given a full roster of the twelve disciples for the first time. Earlier in the gospel of Matthew (chapter 4) we’re told about the calling of four of them (Simon Peter and Andrew, John and James) and then later, in Matthew 9:9 we get a single verse on Matthew himself being dramatically called out of the tax collection booth to follow Jesus. In this passage, Jesus calls the disciples to go out and complete their first mission, without Him physically present.
Have you ever considered the importance of the disciples in the gospels? 11 of them would ultimately do the work to begin the church after the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ. The only disciple that would fail to be a part of that effort was Judas Iscariot, who killed himself after betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. The apostle Paul would eventually take his place as an apostle along with the 11 who remained faithful.
As we work through the gospel of Matthew, the interaction that Jesus has with His disciples becomes vital for followers of God, even today. Seeing how Jesus molds ordinary people to be more like Himself and to do such great things is a testimony to the goodness of God!
THE ROSTER
Matthew 10:2,3- Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariott, the one who betrayed Him.
Matthew lists the twelve who were following Jesus starting with the four from Matthew 4, who were fishermen and were called to follow by Jesus, early in His ministry. In the gospels of Mark and Luke we see similar lists with approximately the same order mentioned. In all three of these Gospels, Simon Peter is grouped with the other three fishermen he was called with in Matthew 4. That first group is the most prominently mentioned in scripture. The second grouping includes Phillip, Nathaneal (Bartholomew), Thomas and Matthew himself. Each of these four disciples have their moment and are mentioned in the gospel accounts but not nearly as often as the first four.
Then the final four are listed and that group always includes Judas Iscariot, the traitor. We don’t know for sure why these mentions of the twelve are ordered the way they are. But we do know that it seems to list them in descending order from the more prominent mentions in scripture. In this passage, Jesus gives the disciples what they need for their first mission!
THE MISSION
Matthew 10:7- And as you go, preach, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
The kingdom of heaven has been the message from the start! John the Baptist, preached that message before Jesus. The Old Testament also points toward the Kingdom. Jesus has been preaching that message, now He tells the disciples to go preach that message!
In Matthew 10:1, Jesus pulls the 12 disciples to himself and gives them HIS power and authority. The power to heal disease and sickness and the authority to cast out demons and unclean spirits. In Matthew 10:5 Jesus instructs them: Do not go in the way of the gentiles, or do not enter any city of the Samaritans: but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Jesus gives them a very specific “who” in this passage. They are to begin their ministry first to the Jew. In fact, this specific mission is only to the Jews. The ministry will spread to gentiles at a later time.
After Jesus tells them “what” their message is to be, “that the kingdom of heaven is at hand” and “who” the message is for, “the children of the house of Israel” Jesus gives them the “how” they can authenticate their message.
Matthew 10:8- Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you receive, freely give.
Just like Jesus used these miracles to authenticate His message, He gives the disciples the same power to be able to do the same thing!
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
Jesus then goes into detail about how the disciples are to be provided for during this ministry. Maybe you’ve been on a missions trip before? Typically, either the mission agency would have funds to send you, or you would have to raise the funds for the trip yourself. You would also need to make sure to pack everything you need for clothes and food. You would also make sure all your travel and lodging was lined up for your trip. Although, there was no mission agency, go fund me pages, or churches to help fund such a trip, the needs for lodging, food and clothing for such a trip were just as much a reality!
Matthew 10:9-12- Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. As you enter the house, give it your greeting.
Wow! Jesus just told them not to take any money, or to accept any money. He also told them not to take any extra provisions of clothing or shoes for their trip! Why not? His answer is in vs. 10. Because the worker is worthy of his wage. In other words, the Lord will care for his ministers as they go. Another reason Jesus forbids them from accepting money during this mission is because of the power He had just given them. They could have gone into a town, healed the town’s sick, named their price and retired for good! Jesus knows the sinful nature of man’s heart and the temptation that would be, so He tells them they cannot accept any money on this particular mission.
Jesus then tells them to inquire with people who are “worthy or deserving”. Hospitality was highly valued in Jewish culture and also extremely necessary if any type of travel would be done. Hospitality is highly regarded in both the Old and New Testament. So each town the disciples went to, they would begin ministering, and then inquire about who might receive the blessing of being able to house God’s messengers. What a great privilege! Jesus assumes they’ll have no problem finding such people. The Lord is planning to provide for this mission, meeting each and every need.
A WARNING
Matthew 10:13,14- If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.
Jesus knows that the message being preached won’t be accepted by everyone. It never has been, thanks to our sinfulness that separates mankind from God. And as they minister, they’re sure to run into those that reject them and their message. So Jesus instructs them on what to do. Leave, and go find someone who will. “Shaking the dust off your feet” was something that Jews would do after walking through what they considered unclean, gentile areas. It was an act that showed that they were finished with area and they were knocking the filth off their shoes and moving on.
This seems harsh. When God’s Word is given, a response is required. This directive, given to the disciples, shows that Jesus isn’t messing around. There isn’t a neutral position that can be taken with God and His Word. When it is rejected, the blessing of God goes with it.
CONCLUSION
Jesus ends Matthew 10 with a very difficult section about the wedge he brings between His follower and those who reject Him. In vs. 32-42 Jesus describes the enmity that following Him puts even in families as some follow Christ and some don’t.
Jesus gives the disciples their marching orders, but then teaches them of the reality to come as those who oppose Him will also oppose the disciples. This is reality is still true today. There is a cost for following Christ, but there is a greater cost for rejecting the Word of the Lord!