Apostles
Not many people would be willing to go out as a representative of Jesus if the requirements of the original 12 apostles were expected today. Would you go?
Matthew 10:5-42
- Don’t go to the Gentiles. Don’t go to the Samaritans. (v. 5). Jesus had a target audience in mind.
- Go to the lost sheep of Israel (v. 6). As far a Jesus was concerned, the Jews, as a people and nation, were not saved. Though certainly the Jews considered themselves saved. How many nations are likewise deluded and lost today?
- Preach the kingdom of heaven is at hand (v. 7). Not some distant future relationship with God. But a present knowledge of God.
- Freely you have received; freely give (v. 8). Do not preach for money. Do not sell the gospel. Salvation cannot be bought, not even by good works.
- Without a large bankroll and without extra clothing, they went expecting those who received their message would provide for them. For the workman is worthy of his hire (v. 9-10).
- Some places and people would receive the gospel and the gospel preachers. Others would not (v. 11-15).
- The world would not be friendly to them; and they must expect opposition and know how to handle it. But they must not worry about their response when arrested (v. 16-20).
- Like Jesus, and because of their association with him, the apostles would be maligned and persecuted (v. 21-25).
- But they should not fear the consequences, for their heavenly Father watches over them (v. 26-31).
- The gospel of peace with God will bring wars among men who will not be reconciled to God(v. 32-36).
- The ultimate question is whether Jesus means more to us than our families or even our own lives (v. 37-39).
- How men treat the representatives of Christ indicates their attitude toward Christ himself (v. 40-42).
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