Following Jesus requires a deep and abiding commitment from every disciple. It means picking up our individual crosses—denying self—and honoring God’s Word and guidance. We are following our Maker as he motivates and guides us through the obstacles of life [and there can be many] to bring the good news to anyone willing to listen. As Creator, Jesus wants to be known, because he already knows all of his creation.
In our passage today, Jesus is preparing and instructing his disciples and guiding them through the discipleship mission to reach out and help connect the lost [in this case, Israel] to Christ’s salvation. Jesus gives these willing disciples the authority to heal and perform other life-changing miracles in order to demonstrate the power and eternal reign of the true Kingdom of God. Everything Israel has prayed for—rescue, redemption, and restoration—is being offered in Christ, but they have to allow God to change their thoughts, desires, and ways in order to see.
The disciples are sent with a message for Israel at God’s appointed time, because they had the wrong idea about ‘how’ God would redeem them. They needed to know God was sending the Messiah to extend mercy, forgiveness of sin, and wisely lead them into spiritual freedom and peace with God. Israel would then be given the privilege of being the Light for other nations; a Light that would guide all creation back to their Creator. Some Israelites chose to listen and turn toward Jesus Messiah and some did not.
Rejection of God is always a human choice on the table, so Jesus reminds his followers—who are committed toward discipleship—to prepare for it. The biblical definition of “rejection” is “to throw back.” Believers are to set forth Truth—the human need to seek God and his forgiveness of sin. We should never be unsettled by rejection when we generously cast “Bread” on the water and it is thrown back or forsaken. We are call to share the Good News. We not called to worry about the outcomes. That’s God’s part.
Matthew 10:5-15 NLT
5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, 6 but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. 7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near [has come]. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
9 “Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. 10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.
11 “Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. 12 When you enter the home, give it your blessing. 13 If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. 14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. 15 I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the authority you have given us as your disciples and how you lead us forward with faith and grace. We cannot control how others are going to receive the joy of our salvation, but we offer it, anyway. Help us to stay passionate for you and stop feeling rejected or disillusioned by our challenges. You are still on the throne and you know everything that involves each of us. You know our hearts, our motives, and our weaknesses. So cover us, Lord, and as your disciples please provide all we need to be successful for your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.