09.02.08
Witness of the Twelve (Matt. 9:35-11:1; Mark 6:6-13; Luke 9:1-6)
Witness of the Twelve (Matt. 9:35-11:1; Mark 6:6b-13; Luke 9:1-6)
Believe it or not, this is the last ‘installment’ of the authentication of the King. We again find Jesus traveling through ‘all the towns and villages’ proclaiming the good new that the kingdom was at hand. He had done plenty of miracles, and the news of these had spread throughout the area. Folks were still curious about Him, His words, and His ministry. He was still compassionate to them, the masses because He saw them as they were – shepherdless sheep.
There were many who claimed to be shepherds. The Pharisees (follow our traditions and we’ll lead you to life). The Sadducees (follow us and through our ordinances you will become children of the kingdom). These different parties were in competition for followers. There were others who claimed to be shepherds as well. Spiritual hunger was evident in that folks were interested in the ministry of Christ.
The needs were obvious to Jesus. Workers. Seed had been sown, so now the need was to pray that God would now send out laborers into the fields that were ripe for harvest. Here is where the Twelve were given authority because they were to serve as Christ’s representatives. This is the occasion that they were sent out from Him to extend the ministry which He had been carrying out.
Before they were sent, they were given a number of instructions. First, He told them who they were to minister to. This was only – read that exclusively – to the lost sheep of Israel (Matt. 10:5-6). The covenant nation, God’s chosen people. They couldn’t experience all the promised blessings until the Messiah ruled over His people. Second, notice the message the Twelve were to preach – the kingdom of heaven is near (Matt. 10:7). This was followed by the command that they were to exercise the authority that had been conferred on them. Not only use it, but believe that all their support was to come from the One who sent them. The lack of preparation they were to make was to foster an utter dependence on the Lord.
When they entered a village they were to look for someone of decent reputation and hospitality. That was where they were to stay. You see, if they were to stay with someone who was disreputable, it could damage their testimony and jeopardize their ministry. Perhaps this is a good place to stop and ask – what do you think of that? How do you (or are you) practicing that in your life? Do you agree with this, or is this applicable to the ‘new ministry folks’ only? In practice, do you feel you can hang with the folks you hang with, maintain your faith and testimony, and not come out unscathed? If so – why?
Another ‘gotcha’ in this passage is the extended section of warning (vs. 17 et al). You see, Christ was letting them know that they would not receive the same status that they may be thinking they will get. Keep in mind that He had attained something similar to rock star status in a short time, but this came with a price. The disciples would not find the same acclaim – so Jesus gives them encouragement in the face of impending rejection and hardship. In fact, the natural reaction would be to withdraw if you knew that type of persecution Jessu spoke of was coming because we are all (as people) into self-preservation! But looking at verse 28, we are told not to fear those that can only harm us bodily. Kind of scary, isn’t it – I mean, we say we answer to a higher power, and now was that time to be reminded of this.
Protection – that is what these disciples were assured of (vs. 29-31). And so are we – protected, strengthened and sheltered under the wings of our Heavenly Father. That is comforting, and those thoughts must have strengthened these men during their times of doubt and fear.
The Prince of Peace had come to His own, but they had rejected Him. So in verse 34 we see the answer to the rejection of Him and His ministry by the religious authorities (who were influencing or leading the nation). Not peace, but a sword – Jesus had come to bring division! Not much has changed over the centuries to follow. Jesus Christ divides folks. People are divided by their attitude towards Him. Think about it, even today the name of Jesus Christ – in the media, public eye, and in private conversation – is most often heard as a pseudo-swear phrase, not in reverence, worship and awe.
After all was said and done, it was time to move out. The disciples were to go out and teach and preach. Jesus had proven His authority many times over. Now He had bestowed authority on His followers. And that filters down to us today. Have you preached recently about Christ? I would wager you have, by more than your words, by your life. Your family sees the reflection (or lack thereof) of Christ in you, as do your co-workers, boss, and others you come into contact with. The best place to hide how rotten we truly are is in the presence of others at … church! We can at least all ACT alike in our attempts to convince ourselves that we are really OK. Ah – some things never change, it was like that when Jesus walked among us. Perhaps today is a good day to reflect on the facades we erect, and to get real with the one who cared enough for us to pay the ultimate price for our sins.
