The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand, 1:1-28:20

The Revelation of the King (Ch 1-11)

The Galilean Ministry, 8:1-18:35

The King’s Power And Credentials, 8:1-11:1

Into The Harvest, 9:35-11:1; Mar 6:6-13; Lu 9:1-6; 1Co 9:14

The Twelve Apostles Sent Out, Mat 10:1-42

THE CALL OF THE TWELVE, Mat 10:1-15; Mar 3:13-19; 6:7-13; Lu 6:12-16; 9:1-6 (5 Sunday After Pentecost)

INTRODUCTION

A. Jesus had been traveling through the cities and villages near Jerusalem for two years preaching the good news of the kingdom. In Mat 9:35-38, we are told, as he looked out upon the multitudes he saw them as harassed, helpless and without spiritual leadership. He told his disciples the time was ripe for harvesting but more workers were needed. Therefore it was necessary for them to pray that God the Father would send more helpers. It was than that he called his closest disciples (twelve), obviously pointing out that their personal prayer alone was not enough.

B. In Mat 10:1-15, we can read of Jesus having sent these selected men (the twelve) out on their first evangelistic tour, what is called "The Limited Commission." In it, we can learn principles which, when applied, will help us to succeed in evangelizing or leading others to Jesus in obedience (Mat 28:18-20).

Theme: who would make a good disciple to go work the harvest and should s/he go

II. THE CALL, 10:1-4.

A. ... he had called unto him his twelve disciples ..., 10:1a.

ASV

1 ¶ And <2532> [when - KJV] he had called <4341> (5666) unto him his <846> twelve <1427> disciples <3101>, [he - KJV] and gave <1325> (5656) them <846> [power - KJV] authority <1849> [against - KJV] over unclean <169> spirits <4151>, to <5620> cast <1544> <0> them <846> out <1544> (5721), and <2532> to heal <2323> (5721) all manner <3956> of [sickness - KJV] disease <3119> and <2532> all manner <3956> of [disease - KJV] sickness <3554>. [{against: or, over} - KJV]

1. Up unto this point, Jesus has ministered alone.

a. The 12 disciples had followed him but participated only as students and observers.

2. The Lord hand picked his personal apostles.

a. Out of the many from which he doubtless had to choose, Jesus chose only twelve men, whom he named"apostles."

(1) Judas was later replaced, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26.

(2) The replacement too, was chosen by the Lord.

(3) The "exceptional" apostle, 1Cor 15:7-8; 2 Cor 1:1.

(4) He, too, is specifically chosen by the Lord, but he was "last of all."

b. Mark added that in calling his specific twelve apostles, Jesus called them to himself for at least two reasons:

(1) 1. “that they might be with Him”, 3:14

(a) Jesus saw the need of the multitude and he also saw the need for the multiplication of his ministry to them.

(b) He called these twelve to himself, specifically to reproduce himself in these disciples, to imparted his life to them as they spent time sharing in his life.

i) Do you know what an apprentice is?

ii) We will never become the laborers in the spiritual harvest, that we could, until as apprentices, we start training.

iii) We will never develop into the disciples we can, until we start spending time learning about and practicing Jesus’ life in our own.

a) Too many today want the authority of God and power behind it, but without following the life required.

b) However, without fellowship in his life, there is nothing to preach, teach or proclaim, that could be imparted with effectiveness. There is no shortcut or quick steps to it. There is no easy way. The only way to receive what God offers us is to communion with him regularly, to daily thoroughly study his word, to share in his life and to share in his work.

(c) The real questions for Christians, for anyone who would call themselves his disciples is, “Is your life really Kingdom oriented?”

(2) 2. “that He might send them out to preach”

(a) Jesus had mentioned to them the vital importance of prayer to the message, to evangelism, but if are unwilling to help expedite their prayers as they were able, if they were unwilling to carry forth the message as laborers, their prayers were insincere and hypocritical, having no demonstrated urgency or need with them.

(b) Following praying, the next step was obvious to them as Jesus called them into personal service.

(3) Mark also added that Jesus sent the twelve out in twos, just as he called them, Mar 6:7.

(a) This is an important principle in evangelism.

(b) It is one practiced by two denominations which are very successful in evangelizing, in our country (Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses).

i) When Jesus sent out the seventy, Lu 10:1.

ii) When the Spirit sent out Paul and Barnabas, Ac 13:2-3

iii) When Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways, Ac 15:36-40

(d) With two working together, each encourages the other and helps out one another, cf. Ec 4:9-10

3. In setting apart these disciples (apostles), the Lord’s purpose was obvious, to carry his message of the kingdom of heaven to others beyond what he was able to do alone.

a. In "The Limited Commission", the subject was the kingdom of heaven (Mat 10:7) and later in "The Great Commission,” (Mat 28:18-19), following Jesus’ resurrection, it was expanded to include the gospel of Christ, Mar 16:15.

(1) This was as Philip the evangelist preached when he went to Samaria, Ac 8:12.

(2) It was as Paul preached in synagogues and from house to house, Ac 19:8; 20:18-21,25; 28:23,30-31

(3) They were special witnesses of Jesus' resurrection

(a) "... and ye shall be witnesses"

(b) each of these men was an "eye witness," Ac 1:8; 4:33

(c) the fact to which they gave testimony was that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified, buried and raised from the dead - Alive, Ac 17:2-3!

b. If you understand the reason God has us continue on this earth following our obedience to his gospel and that the reason is evangelism,

(1) seek out a someone in the congregation with similar interests

(2) go out together in visiting, teaching and holding home Bible discussions, studies, etc.

c. Perhaps part of the reason for the slow growth in evangelism today is the failure to apply the principles Jesus taught such as working together in twos?

B. ... and gave them authority over unclean spirits ... disease and ... sickness ..., 10:b-d.

1. He gave them miraculous power.

2. The purpose for the miraculous powers was stated in scripture, Mk 16:17-20; He 2:3-4.

a. God's used the miraculous to attest to the message his disciples spoke (the people to whom it was spoken having no way of knowing God’s will and no way to discern if what was spoken by men, was the truth.)

(1) The Lord’s word was not yet written down for anyone to pick up and read, to study and learn.

(2) Therefore, God provided them a means to get attention and demonstrate the words they spoke were sent from God.

b. The range and scope of these miraculous gifts were confined to birth and infancy of the church until the law of Christ, God’s fully revealed word was with men, 1Co 13:9-12.

c. Jude in verse three of his epistle, claimed that the faith in entirety was delivered from God.

d. Peter in his second epistle, 1:3 claimed we had in the knowledge of Jesus, which is the word of God, all we need to live properly before God.

e. If the word was witnessed to as the truth, and it has been given completely to men, is there any Biblical reason for miracles to continue?

3. The first thing someone timid might say, regarding going out to reap the spiritual harvest, is, “Sure, Jesus empowered his disciples to go out into the harvest.

a. However, he has also done the same for us. God too has given us the tools to be powerful in taking his word to others, 2Pe 1:3.

b. No we can’t miraculously heal the ailing but we do have what was the reason he gave them the miraculous ability.

c. Today we have the completed word of God to mankind, written out for anyone to pick up, read, study and from which to learn.

d. “Sure, that is what you say,” is not a viable excuse when you consider (even without the miraculous), now any one for those who are truly interested in knowing God’s will, can hear what was said in God’s name and compare it to what God has said, in order to discern the truth.

e. Let’s also not forget prayer.

4. “Well,” you might say, “I’m shy and I don’t speak very well.” We might think only those who have some sort of natural leadership ability, with Type A" personalities that can't be intimidated, are useful for evangelism, but let’s take a look at those Jesus first selected before we make our conclusion as to who would be useful.

C. , ... the names of the twelve apostles are ... Simon ... called Peter ... Andrew ... James ... John ... Philip ... Bartholomew ... Thomas ... Matthew ... Thaddaeus ... Simon the Cananaean ... and Judas ..., 10:2-4.

2 Now <1161> the names <3686> of the twelve <1427> apostles <652> are <2076> (5748) these <5023>: The first <4413>, Simon <4613>, who <3588> is called <3004> (5746) Peter <4074>, and <2532> Andrew <406> his <846> brother <80>; James <2385> the son of <3588> Zebedee <2199>, and <2532> John <2491> his <846> brother <80>;

3 Philip <5376>, and <2532> Bartholomew <918>; Thomas <2381>, and <2532> Matthew <3156> the publican <5057>; James <2385> the son of <3588> Alphaeus <256>, and <2532> [Lebbaeus <3002>, whose surname was <1941> (5685) - KJV] Thaddaeus <2280>;

4 Simon <4613> the [Canaanite - KJV] Cananaean, <2581>, and <2532> Judas <2455> Iscariot <2469>, who <3588> also <2532> betrayed <3860> (5631) him <846>.

1. These selected men, in the first century appeared ignorant and unlearned as they went before the world.

a. Let’s take a look at what was said of them, Ac 2:37.

b. Let’s take a look at what Paul wrote of himself, 1Co 2:1-5.

2. Simon

a. He was a fisherman, Mat 4:18-20

b. Andrew introduced him to Jesus, Joh 1:40-41

c. His name was changed to Cephas (Peter), Joh 1:42

d. He was known for being impetuous:

(1) when Jesus walked on the water, Mat 14:25-29

(2) when Jesus foretold His death, Mat 16:21-23

(3) When Jesus foretold that some who would stumble, Mat 26:31-35

(4) When Jesus was arrested in the garden, Joh 18:10-11

e. He had some failures to his account:

(1) doubting when walking to Jesus on the sea, Mat 14:30-31

(2) denying the Lord three times, Mat 26:69-75

(3) leading others with him into hypocrisy, Ga 2:11-13

f. He became a pillar in the church

(1) restored by Jesus after His resurrection, Joh 21:15-19

(2) directed the selection to replace Judas Iscariot, Ac 1:15-26

(3) preached the first gospel sermon, Ac 2:14-41

(4) was a leader in the church at Jerusalem during its early years, Ac 3-6; cf. Ga 1:18; 2:1-10

(5) the first to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles, Ac 10-11; 15:6-11

3. Andrew, brother of Simon

a. a disciple of John the Baptist and one of Jesus' first disciples, Joh 1:35-40

b. he led his brother Simon (Peter) to Jesus, Joh 1:41-42

c. a fisherman, called to follow Jesus along with Simon, Mat 4:18-20

d. he introduced others to Jesus, Joh 12:20-22

4. James the son of Zebedee

a. John's brother, Mat 10:2

b. a fisherman, called to follow Jesus along with John, Mat 4:21-22

c. he and his brother were called "Sons of Thunder" by Jesus - Mk 3:17; cp. Lk 9:52-54

d. sought glory with John but was promised suffering, Mar 10:35-40

e. the first of the apostles to be killed, Ac 12:1-2

5. John, brother of James

a. called along with his brother, James, Mat 4:21-22

b. he his brother and father, were partners with Peter, Lu 5:10

c. he (and his brother) appeared quick to judge others, cf. Lu 9:49,54

d. he became "the beloved disciple whom Jesus loved," Joh 13:23; *19:26-27

6. Peter, James and John became "the inner circle" of Jesus' disciples, Mar 5:37; Mat 17:1; Mat 26:36-37.

7. Philip

a. called by Jesus, the day after Peter and Andrew were called, Joh 1:43

b. from Bethsaida (home to Peter and Andrew), Joh 1:44

c. led Nathaniel to Jesus, Joh 1:45-46

d. He with Andrew brought others to Jesus, Joh 12:21-22

e. asked Jesus to "Show us the Father," Joh 14:8-9

8. Bartholomew

9. Thomas

a. was also called The Twin (Didymus), Joh 20:24

b. At one point he was willing to die for Jesus, Joh 11:16

c. after the resurrection, he (a doubter) required empirical evidence before he would believe that Jesus was alive, Joh 20:24-25; 20:26-28

10. Matthew the tax collector

a. also known as Levi, Mat 9:9; Mar 2:14; Lu 5:27

b. called the son of Alphaeus, leading some to think he was related to James the son of Alphaeus, Mar 2:14; 10:3

11. James the son of Alphaeus

a. he may be "James the Less", son of Mary (who witnessed Jesus' death, sought to prepare Him for burial, and found the tomb empty), Mar 5:40; 16:1

b. he is not mentioned in the scriptures

12. Thaddaeus [ Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus]

a. the same as "Judas, not Iscariot" (Jn 14:22) and "Judas, brother of James" - Lu 6:16; Ac 1:13

b. not mentioned elsewhere in the Scriptures

13. Simon the Cananaean [Zealot], Lu 6:15; Ac 1:13

14. Judas Iscariot who Jesus knew would, betrayed him.

15. There were ordinary people just like you and me.

Mat 10:1-10 Mar 3:13-19 Lu 6:12-16

Simon, who is called Peter Simon he surnamed Peter Simon, whom he also named Peter

Andrew his brother (Andrew - further below) Andrew his brother

James the son of Zebedee James son of Zebedee James

John his brother John the brother of James John

them he surnamed

Boanerges, which is, Sons

of thunder

Andrew

Philip Philip Philip

Bartholomew Bartholomew Bartholomew

(traditionally considered to be Nathanael, because he is connected to Philip in the lists of the apostles in the Gospels. If so - Joh 1:45-46; 1:47-51; 21:1-14)

Thomas (Thomas - mentioned (Thomas - mentioned

after Matthew) after Matthew)

Matthew the publican Matthew Matthew

[tax-gatherer - NASB]

Thomas Thomas

James the son of Alpaeus James the son of Alphaeus James the son of Alphaeus

Thaddaeus Thaddaeus (Judas the son of James - mentioned

[Lebbaeus whose surname below?)

was Thaddaeus - KJV]

Simon the Cananaean Simon the Cananaean Simon who was called the Zealot

[the Zealot - NASB]

Judas the son of James

Judas Iscariot Judas Iscariot Judas Iscariot

III. THE CONDITIONS, 10:5-6

A. These twelve Jesus sent forth, ..., 10:5.

5 ¶ These <5128> twelve <1427> Jesus <2424> sent forth <649> (5656), and [commanded - KJV] charged <3853> (5660) them <846>, saying <3004> (5723), Go <565> (5632) not <3361> into <1519> [the - KJV] any way <3598> of the Gentiles <1484>, and <2532> [into - KJV] enter not into <1519> any city <4172> of the Samaritans <4541> [enter ye <1525> (5632) not <3361> - KJV]:

B. Go not into any way of the Gentiles, and enter not into any city of the Samaritans but go ... to the lost sheep of ... Israel, 10:6.

6 [But - KJV] but <1161> go <4198> (5737) rather <3123> to <4314> the lost <622> (5756) sheep <4263> of the house <3624> of Israel <2474>.

1. With all that in the world who needed to hear the gospel of the kingdom at hand, Jesus initially sent the twelve, on a very limited endeavor.

2. The application for us is, we can’t reach the whole world with just our congregation alone.

3. However, we can limit ourselves to our communities and than, if opportunity allows us, we can also reach out to other parts of the world.

IV. THE (Charge, Commission) CONTRIBUTION, 10:7-15

A. ... freely give. Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, ..., 10:7-12.

7 And <1161> as ye go <4198> (5740), preach <2784> (5720), saying <3004> (5723), <3754> The kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is at hand <1448> (5758).

8 Heal <2323> (5720) the sick <770> (5723), [cleanse the lepers - KJV] raise <1453> (5720) the dead <3498>, cleanse <2511> (5720) the lepers <3015>, cast out <1544> (5720) devils <1140>: freely <1432> ye [have - KJV] received <2983> (5627), freely <1432> give <1325> (5628).

9 [Provide neither - KJV] Get you <2932> (5667) no <3361> gold <5557>, nor <3366> silver <696>, nor <3366> brass <5475> in <1519> your <5216> purses <2223>; [{Provide: or, Get} - KJV]

10 [Nor - KJV] no <3361> [scrip - KJV] wallet <4082> for <1519> your journey <3598>, neither <3366> two <1417> coats <5509>, [neither - KJV] nor <3366> shoes <5266>, nor <3366> [yet staves - KJV] staff: <4464>: for <1063> the [workman - KJV] laborer <2040> is <2076> (5748) worthy <514> of his <846> [meat - KJV] food <5160>. [{staves: Gr. a staff} - KJV]

11 And <1161> into <1519> whatsoever <302> <3739> city <4172> or <2228> [town - KJV] village <2968> ye shall enter <1525> (5632), [enquire - KJV] search out <1833> (5657) who <5101> in <1722> it <846> is <2076> (5748) worthy <514>; and there <2546> abide <3306> (5657) till <302> <2193> ye go [thence - KJV] forth <1831> (5632).

12 And <1161> [when ye come- KJV] as ye enter <1525> (5740) into <1519> [an - KJV] the house, house <3614>, salute <782> (5663) it <846>.

1. These apostles were not to worry regarding the physical needs.

2. In saying the laborer was worthy of his food, Jesus was teaching them to trust in God to supply their needs, cp. Php.4:11-13, 19.

3. Though this practice, those who received Jesus demonstrated it in receiving his disciples.

B. ... whosoever shall not receive you, ... as ye go forth out of that house or that city, shake off the dust of your feet ..., 10:13-15.

13 And <2532> if <1437> <3303> the house <3614> be <5600> (5753) worthy <514>, let your <5216> peace <1515> come <2064> (5628) upon <1909> it <846>: but <1161> if <3362> <0> it be <5600> (5753) not <3362> worthy <514>, let your <5216> peace <1515> return <1994> (5649) to <4314> you <5209>.

14 And <2532> whosoever <3739> shall <1209> <0> not <3362> receive <1209> (5667) you <5209>, nor <3366> hear <191> (5661) your <5216> words <3056>, [when ye depart - KJV] as ye go forth out <1831> (5740) of that <1565> house <3614> or <2228> that city <4172>, shake off <1621> (5657) the dust <2868> of your <5216> feet <4228>.

15 Verily <281> I say <3004> (5719) unto you <5213>, It shall be <2071> (5704) more tolerable <414> for the land <1093> of Sodom <4670> and <2532> Gomorrha <1116> in <1722> the day <2250> of judgment <2920>, than <2228> for that <1565> city <4172>.

Conclusion:

Questions:

Why did Jesus command the twelve disciples to take nothing except a staff and sandals on their journey?

Are we held responsible when others rejects our message of Christ's Gospel?