relationships (Matthew 10:5-15) Sharing What We Receive

(Matthew 10:5-15)

1 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; and James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who also betrayed Him.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, “Do not go on a road to Gentiles, and do not enter a city of Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. 9 Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10 or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is deserving of his support. 11 And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. 12 As you enter the house, give it your greeting. 13 If the house is worthy, see that your blessing of peace comes upon it. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. 14 And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that city.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

Back then, most people only had one coat, which often would second as a blanket.  But Jesus didn't want the disciples to be distracted by worldly things.  They were to focus on God and their calling, as well as learn to trust God to provide.  The Lord's provision wasn't just about finding a place to stay that offered a room-and-board-scenario, it was, and is, about finding fellowship, unity and support among brethren, and about spiritually equipping each other for what the Lord has called us to.  

While a person should always be paid for the work that they do, we should never take advantage of God's purpose and gifts in efforts to get rich.  Notice verse 10 tells them not to acquire two of certain items, meaning, if needed, it was okay to accept one of each required item.  The Lord loves and cares, and for those who honor Him with their obedience, He will make sure that we have what we need.

What God gives us, we should freely give to others.  Therefore, while we are all to use our spiritual gifts in church to serve, one should not expect any sort of payment, otherwise it is not serving, it would then be a job.  The disciples were really sent out as missionaries, which is a job, just like being a pastor, etc.  In our church, our pastors encourage everyone who is hired by the church to ALSO serve in some other way.  This is just one of the ways that we can show sacrificial love.  Although, both serving and working for God requires God's supernatural help, and therefore, He gives and equips us freely and so very generously!

Another thing about "back then", hospitality was a highly valued virtue, especially since motels and hotels weren't as prevalent.  And at that point in Jesus' ministry, people either were going to eagerly accept the disciples, or totally reject them.  Jesus was advising these men to find places to stay where they could feel safe and welcomed.  And not only that, but the whole point to evangelism is to spread the gospel, make disciples, baptize and teach.  This is giving what God has given to us, so that they can then give to others.  We are to help equip the saints, but we must understand that the equipping and power is only and always coming from the Lord!

Two more "back then" tidbits which are important.  The common Jewish greeting, “Peace,” which was really a blessing, or a prayer to the Lord to bless that recipient, was culturally given according to social protocols and statuses.  But Jesus instructs the disciples to only bless those who were receptive to God's message and people.

As well, culturally, pious Jewish people who had been walking on pagan ground, would shake the dust off their feet before walking upon their land.  Well... from Jesus' instructions, regarding pious Jews or otherwise, ANYONE who rejected (or rejects) God's message and people, are pagans themselves.  Therefore, when the disciples withdrew their blessings of peace and shook the dust off their feet after meeting up with unresponsive or unreceptive pious Jews, this action would have caught their attention in a big way!

Jesus' instructions to the disciples in verse 8:  to heal, raise, cleanse and cast out, parallels the Great Commission.  In salvation, those who humbly repent are cleansed from all sin;  receiving eternal life is to be "raised from the dead";  being changed from the inside out to become a new creation is to be healed;  and receiving the indwelling Holy Spirit is to be protected from evil.  This is the very good news and message of certain hope that we can have, and are to share!