Why does Jesus instruct against taking "gold, silver, or copper" for the journey? Setting the Scene • Jesus is preparing the Twelve for their first preaching tour (Matthew 10:5-10). • They will proclaim, “The kingdom of heaven is near,” heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons (10:7-8). • Immediately, He restricts what they may carry. The Command Stated “Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the road or second tunic or sandals or staff, for the worker is worthy of his provisions.” (Matthew 10:9-10) Why Jesus Forbids Carrying Gold, Silver, or Copper • Dependence on God – Their needs would be met by the One who sent them (cf. Matthew 6:31-33). – Like Israel sustained by manna (Exodus 16), the disciples would learn daily trust. • Dependence on God’s people – “The worker is worthy of his provisions” (Matthew 10:10b). – Hospitality from those who received the message bound hearers and preachers together in faith (cf. Luke 10:7). • Urgency of the mission – Extra supplies slow travelers. Jesus wanted nothing to hinder swift obedience (Mark 6:8; Luke 10:4). • Purity of motive – Refusing personal funding guarded against any charge of preaching for profit (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:17). – The gospel would be offered freely, mirroring the freely received grace (Matthew 10:8). • Simplicity and contentment – Traveling light modeled the kingdom value of treasuring heaven over earth (Matthew 6:19-21). – Their lifestyle itself became a sermon, contrasting with materialistic culture. • A living testimony – Visible reliance on God showcased His faithfulness, encouraging faith in listeners (Psalm 37:25). Roots in Old Testament Patterns • Priests and Levites served first, then received support from God’s people (Numbers 18:8-9). • Prophets like Elijah relied on divinely appointed provision (1 Kings 17:4-16). • Jesus follows the same precedent for those who minister His Word. How the Early Church Practiced the Principle • The seventy-two went out the same way (Luke 10:1-9). • After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He reminded them: “When I sent you without purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” They answered, “Nothing.” (Luke 22:35) • Paul accepted support from churches yet sometimes waived it to silence critics (1 Corinthians 9:3-18; 1 Thessalonians 2:9). Timeless Applications for Believers Today • Trust: God still equips those He sends. • Generosity: God’s people still share materially with faithful workers (Galatians 6:6). • Simplicity: Holding possessions loosely keeps hearts free for service. • Integrity: Ministry remains untainted when finances serve the message, not vice versa. Keeping the Balance: Provision and Faith • Scripture also affirms rightful support: “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and “The worker is worthy of his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:18). • The disciple’s call is not ascetic poverty for its own sake but uncluttered obedience, confident that God—and His people—will meet genuine needs as His work advances. |
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