Word@Work, Let God's Word energise your working day!

The First Unsupervised Mission

Matthew 10:5-8
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 those who are ill, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. (NIVUK)

There was only a little time. Soon Jesus would be tried and crucified: His earthly ministry would soon be over and the trainee apostles had to be ready to take over as messengers of the gospel. The first unsupervised assignment was as much for their benefit as for the people. In targeting their mission to Jews only, Jesus was removing the opportunity for cross-cultural problems to get in the way and potentially discourage the men.
 
They were sent to villages where Israelites lived; not Gentiles nor Samaritans. Every Jewish male had enough understanding of the law to recognise the Messianic signs of healing and casting out demons. So when the apostles came into their towns, empowered to heal people, they knew that the Messiah was soon to come. The twelve preached clearly that He was near them and wanted to give to the crowds from His grace. It was great training for the trainee apostles in preparation for their role at the start of the Early Church.
 
In case they were tempted to become proud, Jesus reminded them that the power to heal, cleanse, exorcise and raise people from the dead did not come from them. It came from Him. Indeed the whole exercise was not intended to make heroes of the disciples but to point people to Jesus Christ and let them put their trust in Him. The disciples needed to know that they had freely received power, which they could never generate, in order to act and speak in the Name of Jesus.
 
Pride comes easily to people who God uses. It is so tempting to think that our abilities can make the difference for other people. That is a lie: we can only be of any use because the Lord has freely given us love, forgiveness, restoration - and spiritual gifts. So instead of thinking how we might make a name for ourselves or increase our income (as Judas did), we should remember the privilege of being in Christ and being able to serve in his Kingdom. Today, practice giving freely to others something of what the Lord has given to you. That is the way He trains His servants.

Prayer 
Gracious God. Thank You for giving everything to me: my life, health, salvation, spiritual gifts and opportunities to serve You. I repent of my pride in thinking that it is my skills or personality which will help other people to change, when the best I can do is to faithfully and freely use what You have given to me. Please help me practice giving my time, money, and service to other people in Christ's Name. And help me to be content that You have chosen to use me; may I be glad, for all the glory must go to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Bible Book: 

© Dr Paul Adams