Matthew 10:6-15, Believer’s Handbook (2)

We are continuing to look at the ministry of the Twelve when Jesus sent them out, and making comparisons to our own ministry as servants of Christ.  The Twelve had:

·        An undeniable authentication, 10:8.  Their message was confirmed by the signs Christ gave them to perform (10:1; Heb. 2:1-4).  We have not been given these same sign gifts but there are ways the Apostles’ and our ministry is authenticated.

o   Our testimony of God’s grace in our own lives (Paul used this before Agrippa in Acts 26 as did the blind man in John 9:25.

o   The word of God (the Bible).  Our message is authenticated when it is the message of the inspired text (Ac. 17:11).

o   Our love for each other.  Jesus said this would confirm that we were His disciples (John 13:34-35). 

·        A grace framework, 10:8.  The Twelve were forbidden to take money from those to whom they ministered.  Later in the NT Paul acknowledged that sharing financially was proper in the ministry of the Church (cf. Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17f; 1 Cor. 9:14). Nevertheless, Paul also expressed a concern that money never be allowed to interfere with ministry (1 Cor. 9:18; 2 Cor. 11:9). 

·        An all-sufficient provision, 10:9-10.  To stay in people’s homes was normal in the cultural context of the day.  In every other way they were to trust the Lord’s provision for their needs.  We today should also have a “trust in the Lord” approach.  After all, Jesus did promise to be with us in the endeavor of making disciples (Mt. 28:20).  Today, as in NT times, the basic plan was that God’s people supported the work of those who served vocationally (e.g. Phil. 4:10-20).  However, Paul was willing to work on the side when necessary (Ac. 18:3).

·        A pivotal ministry, 10:11-15.  The Twelve were aware that how people receive them was at the same time how they received Christ.  To receive them means blessing; to reject them meant a curse (shaking the dust off their feet).  They lived in a crucial time when the Messiah, the Savior of the world, was on the scene.  The people of the day (especially around Galilee) were privileged to see and hear these things.  It was a time the fathers hoped would come; and now it was here.  The servants of Christ needed to be true to their message and calling.

We also have a pivotal ministry.  We are not the issue.  But as ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:18), the reception or rejection of our message is the reception or rejection of Christ.  Our testimony, and our love for one another, is pivotal.  Remember Paul's words to the Philippian church: Phil. 1:27-30: ... stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28. and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.  This is no ordinary job.  This is ultimate ministry, announcing the good news that moves men from death to eternal life!