The Sent Twelve: Commissioning Disciples for the Kingdom’s Mission

Matthew 10 provides a blueprint for Christian mission, reflecting the challenges, cost, and commitment required, but also the accompanying authority, divine enablement, and assurance of reward. The call to fearlessly proclaim the kingdom, even in the face of persecution, rings across the ages, reminding believers that ultimate allegiance belongs to God.

Section 1: The Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:1-4)

Jesus calls His twelve disciples and gives them authority over unclean spirits and to heal diseases and sicknesses, identifying each by name.

Section 2: Instructions for Ministry (Matthew 10:5-15)

Jesus sends the disciples out with specific instructions: they are to go to the lost sheep of Israel, proclaim the kingdom of heaven, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. They are to depend on the hospitality of worthy persons in each town, and their peace will rest on receptive homes.

Section 3: Warning about Persecution (Matthew 10:16-23)

Jesus forewarns His disciples about the persecutions they will face for His name's sake. However, He encourages them with the promise of divine enablement in their testimony and perseverance until His return.

Section 4: The Fear of God (Matthew 10:24-33)

Jesus reassures the disciples not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul, instructing them instead to fear God who can destroy both soul and body in hell. He reassures them of their value to God and the importance of acknowledging Him before men.

Section 5: Not Peace, but a Sword (Matthew 10:34-39)

Jesus explains that His message will cause divisions even within households. He calls for wholehearted commitment from His disciples, who must be ready to take up their cross and follow Him.

Section 6: Rewards for Receiving Disciples (Matthew 10:40-42)

Jesus concludes with a promise of reward for those who receive His disciples and offer them even a cup of cold water because they are His followers.

Matthew 10 records Jesus' commissioning of His twelve disciples, empowering them to extend His mission. He gives them detailed instructions for their mission, warns them of impending persecutions, and encourages them with the assurance of God's providence and protection.

Commission: The sending out of the twelve disciples with specific instructions.
Authority: The power given to the disciples to perform miracles.
Persecution: The forewarning of the challenges the disciples will face.
Commitment: The call to prioritize the mission over personal comfort.
Fearlessness: The reassurance that God's providence and protection cover the disciples.The Twelve Apostles
Instructions for Ministry
Warning about Persecution
The Fear of God
Not Peace, but a Sword
Rewards for Receiving DisciplesJesus Christ
The Twelve Disciples: Simon Peter, Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.The towns and villages of Israel

1. What does the naming and sending of the twelve disciples signify in the ministry of Jesus?

2. How do you understand the specific instructions Jesus gave to the disciples for their mission?

3. What lessons can you learn from Jesus' forewarning about future persecutions?

4. How can Jesus' reassurance about God's care during persecution offer comfort in your personal challenges?

5. What does it mean to fear God rather than people, and how can you apply this in your life?

6. How does Jesus' statement about bringing division affect your understanding of the Christian mission?

7. What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus in today's context?

8. How does the promise of reward for receiving disciples encourage hospitality and support within the Christian community?

9. How can the commissioning of the disciples inspire your personal evangelistic efforts?

10. How do you respond to the idea of persecution for your faith? What practical steps can you take to prepare for such a scenario?

11. What does it mean to acknowledge Jesus before others? How can you practically do this in your daily life?

12. How do the disciples' instructions about relying on God's provision challenge your approach to ministry or service?

13. How do you understand the phrase "he who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it"?

14. What implications does the disciples' authority over unclean spirits and to heal diseases have on your understanding of spiritual power and authority?

15. How can the disciples' mandate to freely give as they have freely received shape your attitude towards service and generosity?

16. How does Jesus' teaching about household division for His sake challenge conventional notions of family loyalty?

17. How can you demonstrate the kind of commitment Jesus expects of His disciples in your life today?

18. How does the principle of reward for welcoming Jesus' disciples apply in your Christian fellowship?

19. What does the disciples' mission to the lost sheep of Israel reveal about God's heart for the lost?

20. How does Jesus' teaching about the value of each believer to God comfort and assure you in your faith journey?