Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Matthew 9:35-10:42
Memory Verse: But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
It is all ultimately Jesus' ministry through his disciples. It is urgent. The time is short and there is a lot of work to do and not enough workmen to do it. We see in Matthew 9:35 that Jesus is not only teaching, proclaiming the Kingdom of God and healing every disease and weakness, but at the same time he is modeling them for his disciples. In Matthew 10:1 he sends out the twelve disciples (who were to become apostles) on what we would call a "field trip" or "internship". He gives them the authority [exousia: power and authority] they need and tells them how to do it when he sends them out. He is equipping them.
In Matthew 9:35-38 Jesus is not only doing his own ministry and modeling for his disciples, he has and shows God's compassion (pity and sympathy) for the crowds "like sheep without a shepherd" [They were harassed, distressed, dejected and helpless -- Amplified Bible]. He asks his "students" to intercede for these people and tells them what to pray -- that God will send [thrust, force out -- Amplified Bible] more workers into the harvest -- so that none will be lost. Are we willing to be part of the answer? A word received: If you choose me, you are my disciples. Step out and don't be afraid to use what you have received from me. As you do things in my name, I receive glory. Prayer: Lord Jesus, we claim your power over the unclean spirits that attack and hinder us. We claim your power to heal us of sickness and disease.
Delegated Authority
Notice that Jesus gave them "exousia" (power and authority). It is his and he shares it with his disciples. Theirs -- and ours -- is a delegated authority: as Jesus is under the Father's authority, so we are under Jesus. Remember the Centurion when he told Jesus, "I too am a man under authority." Do we keep in mind that we are "under authority" -- not a popular idea in our culture -- and more and more rebel against authority unless they are wielding it! An apostle is one sent by another. Paul talks about being "ambassadors for Christ". An ambassador represents his sovereign/head of state, not himself.
When Jesus sends out the twelve, he gives them authority and tells them how to use it. What Luke tells us is that they were to go out two by two. Notice the apostles (Matthew 10:2-3) are listed in pairs. That could be how they were paired up.
In Matthew 10:5-6 Jesus tells them NOT to go to the Gentiles or Samaritans (that came later), but to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel". Notice: we ARE to evangelize the Jewish people. Jesus said, "Salvation is of the Jews."(John:4:22) Paul always went first to the synagogues and grieved over the blindness of many of his own people. A word received: There is an order and a progression to my teaching my disciples. I want you to follow my directions. Let God lead you to those he wants you to speak to.
Their task is to proclaim (stronger than preach) that the Kingdom of God has come near -- to "heal the sick". The healings and signs and wonders are evidence of the Kingdom and point and witness to it. Prayer: Lord, show us the people you want to heal through us. "Raise the dead." Prayer: Raise us and all your people to new life. A word received: "cast out demons" I have given you this authority. A word received: "Freely you have received, freely give". Accept what I give you so that you have something to give to others.
Then Jesus tells the twelve disciples how they are to go -- by trusting God for their provision. (Again Jesus is the model here -- "the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.") -- no money, no sack of food, just the clothes they are wearing -- not even a walking stick! They are to inquire about who would be good to stay with in a given town -- and stay there! No moving around to get a better deal, and eat whatever is served. Also they are to pray a blessing of God's peace on the house where they are staying.
Not everyone will be glad to hear them -- so leave -- but warn them ("shake the dust off," "it will be more tolerable on Judgment Day for Sodom and Gomorrah"!) Don't waste your time preaching to those who oppose you, move on to those who will be eager to hear. [Example: Liberia] There is also a note of urgency here again. The time is short.
Next Jesus warns them that they must be on their guard against those who act in opposition to God. They are to be harmless as sheep (who have a shepherd to look after them). They will be "in the midst of wolves". They are to be "wary and wise as serpents", harmless, innocent and without falsity as doves. Obviously they will need to be surrendered and obedient to God, listening for his guidance day by day to know how to be both of these things.
When they are caught and hauled before rulers God will give them what to say -- so they can be a witness to God. We need to learn to ask and depend on the Holy Spirit's guidance about what to say and when and for God's protection. Re-read the memory verse: Matthew 10:19-20. Don't be surprised at persecution and opposition -- the way they treated will be the way the world treats you (Matthew 10:24-25). So don't be afraid! Jesus says that three times close together (Matthew 10:26,28,31). The only one really to "fear" is God himself. God knows about every little bird that falls: "You are of more value than many sparrows." God values you and will care for you no matter what you have to go through. God can use even occasions of persecution for his purposes.
Families will be divided and we are to love Jesus more than we love our nearest and dearest. This is hard yet realistic. Perhaps doing this is part of "taking up our cross and following" Jesus. This is often what Muslim or Jewish converts have to do -- to choose between Jesus and their families!
Loyalty to King Jesus is part of being in the Kingdom. Spiritual warfare is real.
(Matthew 10:32) Are we always willing to acknowledge Jesus "before men", publicly? Do we ever try to camouflage our Christian loyalties? That's what Peter did the night before the crucifixion. Jesus is quite somber about this. Only as we acknowledge Jesus before others, will he acknowledge us before his father in heaven. Jesus forgave Peter and restored him but what about those who keep on doing it? We confront "choices" again and again.
A word received: As you hear about what I tell you to do, I want you to be obedient. Follow through with what I ask you to do. Do not be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows to me, and I will be with you.
A word received: You need to be ready. Listen to what I am telling you. Listen to me and not to yourself. Don't be afraid, you will not be alone. My Spirit will always go with you.
NOTE: A reminder that disciple literally means one who is taught, a learner.
Apostle means one who is sent by another. Apostle is used for the first time in Matthew here.
Word for teachers: See My heart's desire for My people: teaching that comes from Me in the churches, preaching that is good news, and healing of every sickness and every disease. That is what I did, and that is what I taught My disciples to do. That is what I want My disciples now to do.
(We need to be teaching the children to pray for healing for each other.)
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 19
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. God wants us to share with others about His love and what He has done, just like Jesus did.
2. God promises to show us what to do, who to talk to, and how to pray, so we don't have to worry. We just need to ask God for direction and to provide what we need.
3.;God wants us to take a risk, and not be afraid to talk with others about Him, because he will always be with us.
4. This is how God's Kingdom grows--we share about Jesus' love and teaching, help those in need and pray with them and for them.
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