Matthew 10:1-5, Calling the Twelve

It is hard to miss the connection between 9:38 and 10:1-5.  Jesus sees the need of the people and sends forth laborers.  That is what is happening here.  At the same time you can’t ignore the fact that these twelve men are exceptional, being the Apostles who would be used of Jesus to establish His Church. 

There were three steps in Jesus’ sending out laborers.

Ø 10:1-5: calling.  This is a very common term, such as we would use when we call our children to dinner.  But when used in this context and in calling the servants of Christ it is significant.  Note that they were called by JESUS, called by NAME, and called for MINISTRY.

There are 4 listings of the twelve in the New Testament: here and in Mk. 3:16-19; Lk. 6:14-16; Acts 1:13.  Peter is always first.  Each list is in 3 groups.  The first name in each group is always the same: Peter, Philip and James the Son of Alphaeus.  Here in Matthew the 12 are "coupled" (e.g. 2 brother-sets, etc.) probably because Jesus was sending them out 2X2. 

Ø 10:1: authorization. In Acts this was usually done thru the laying on of hands (Ac 6:6; 13:3; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6).  Not only were the Twelve special because they became Jesus’ Apostles; they were special in their authorization.  Jesus gave them authority to cast out unclean spirits and heal all kinds of sickness and disease.  Keep this in mind.  To do these things requires authority from the Lord.  Jesus did not give that authority to everyone He called or that He calls today.  The Twelve had this because it was given to them.

Ø 10:6-15: instruction. The entirety of Matt. 10 is instruction for Jesus’ servants.  I believe Matthew did here as he did in Ch. 8-9 where he brought together a collection of signs (miracles) performed by Jesus throughout the early year or so of His public ministry.  In Mt. 10 he is led by the Spirit to record Jesus’ instructions given on several occasions.  Verse 16 was given when He sent out the Seventy (Luke 10:3).  Verses 17ff were given at a different time according to Luke 12:11-12.  It is possible Jesus’ gave this entire message to the Twelve and then repeated parts at other times.  Matthew 10 is a central location for this teaching.

Also note that some of these instructions are specific for the immediate context.  For example, in 10:6 He tells the Twelve not to go to the Gentiles but to the lost sheep of Israel only.  After His resurrection the instruction was different (Mt. 28:19-20).

As we have said, this chapter is full of edifying truth for those who serve Christ.  Thus we will take a few days dwelling on these things.  Let us pray that this is not a simply academic exercise.  Let us pray that the Lord will send out laborers in His field.  And let us be ready to say, Here am I; send me!