How does Matthew 10:5 reflect Jesus' initial focus on the "lost sheep of Israel"? Setting the Scene Matthew 10 opens with Jesus choosing the Twelve and empowering them for ministry. Verse 5 states: “Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them: ‘Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles, and do not enter any town of the Samaritans.’ ” Immediate Mission Parameters • Jesus draws a clear line: – Stay off Gentile roads. – Avoid Samaritan towns. – Head directly to “the lost sheep of Israel” (v. 6). • The instruction is literal, geographic, and time-bound—an initial stage, not a permanent policy. Why Start with Israel? • Covenant priority: God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:2-3; 17:7). • Prophetic expectation: the Messiah would shepherd Israel first (Ezekiel 34:11-16; Micah 5:2-4). • Messianic validation: reaching Israel fulfills Scripture and confirms Jesus as the awaited Shepherd (Matthew 2:6; Zechariah 9:9). • Strategic launch: a prepared people, steeped in Scripture, could spread the good news outward (Acts 13:46-47). Old Testament Echoes of “Lost Sheep” • Psalm 119:176—“I have strayed like a lost sheep; seek Your servant…” • Jeremiah 50:6—“My people have become lost sheep…” • Ezekiel 34:23—“I will appoint over them one shepherd…” Jesus steps into these texts, identifying Israel as the flock needing immediate rescue. Progressive Widening of the Mission 1. Restriction (Matthew 10:5-6) 2. Hint of expansion—“You will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes” (10:23). 3. Post-resurrection command—“Go and make disciples of all nations” (28:19). 4. Fulfillment in Acts—gospel moves from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Key Takeaways for Today • God is faithful: He keeps His covenant promises, starting where He said He would. • Ministry often begins at home: serve those nearest before expanding outward. • The same Shepherd who sought Israel now seeks the nations—our calling is to join Him in both. Supporting Scriptures • Matthew 15:24—“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” • Romans 1:16—“the gospel… first to the Jew, then to the Greek.” • Isaiah 49:6—“I will also make You a light for the nations.” Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:5 show a deliberate, covenant-grounded focus on Israel as the first recipients of the kingdom message, setting the stage for a worldwide harvest. |
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