Matthew 10:1–15 | Sent Out to Proclaim the Kingdom
Reflection
Matthew 10:1–15 begins with Jesus calling His twelve disciples and giving them authority over unclean spirits and sickness.
Matthew names each of the twelve, reminding us that Jesus chose people from very different backgrounds — including Matthew himself, whom he still describes as “the tax collector.”
Jesus then sends the twelve out with a specific mission to the lost sheep of Israel.
Their message is simple:
“The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
They are also instructed to heal the sick, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. But Jesus reminds them that the authority they carry is something they have received, not earned:
“Freely you received, so freely give.”
The disciples are told to travel without building layers of material security around themselves. For this mission, they must depend upon God’s provision through those who welcome them.
Jesus also prepares them for rejection.
Some households and towns will receive the message. Others will refuse it.
The disciples are responsible for faithfully proclaiming what Jesus has given them, but they cannot control the response of those who hear.
Matthew 10:1–15 reminds us that Christian service begins with Christ.
He calls before He sends.
We receive before we give.
And whatever gifts, opportunities, mercy, or truth we share ultimately come from Him.
Followers of Jesus are called to serve faithfully, depend upon God, and freely share the grace we ourselves have freely received.
Da ist viel Wahres dran. Das sehe ich genauso, auch wenn ich es in der Praxis nicht immer so einfach findet.
Putting Scripture into practice can sometimes be a difficult thing. As long as we strive to improve each and every day to be more like the Lord Jesus.