Sent on a Mission

Jesus mandated his followers to reach out to the world and preach the gospel. He chose the twelve disciples as the ones that would spread the good news of the new covenant and enlarge his Church. Christians are called to fully take part in spreading the gospel. Matthew 10:7 - As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. The followings are discussed: Instructions for the Mission; Opposition to the Mission, and Encouragement to Fulfil the Mission.

Instructions for the Mission: Jesus sent his disciples out as the apostles that would preach repentance and God's kingdom with his authority (Matthew 10:1-8 ) and gave them the power to perform miracles. He chose the disciples from diverse fields of work and empowered them to do the kingdom's work. This reveals the Lord uses all types of people to do his work. He equips and empowers those who he calls to do the work. The first mission was to reach out to the 'lost sheep of the house of Israel and lead them back to God. With Christ's authority the apostles were commissioned to heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons.

Jesus charged the disciples not to demand anything from anyone. They were to preach the gospel and save souls with the power of God. The power of deliverance and healing is of God, and not theirs, therefore they were to perform miracles free of charge ( Matthew 10:8; John 9:32-33). They must not use God's free gifts to make themselves wealthy. However, this doesn't mean preachers should not be paid (Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18). Those who are ministered to should be responsible for their needs and see doing so as an opportunity to honour God for his daily provisions.

The disciples were told to go in peace and declare peace upon the households and communities that received them. They were to leave places that would bring embarrassment and cause trouble and not to use violence on anyone. They were to declare peace upon the house that would receive them and leave those who reject the gospel (Mathew 10:9-15). God's judgement shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for cities that reject Christ's message. Today, people have greater opportunities to hear God's message, but many will just disregard the message. Such people will not have any excuse before God's judgement.

Opposition to the Mission: Because many are opposed to the message of God, Christ's disciples should expect opposition from various quarters, even from the family. When a society is hostile to the gospel disciples should use godly wisdom and follow the way of peace in dealing with the people (Mathew 10:16-29). Jesus warned the disciples to beware of dangers ahead, and not to be discouraged by various challenges. He assured them of divine intervention at the difficult time.

Preachers of the gospel should not be anxious of what to say while facing opposition, Jesus has encouraged us to trust God and leave the results to Him. There will be Opposition because the kingdom of God clashes with the kingdom of Satan and the kingdoms of this world. Those would reject Christ and the message of God's kingdom would also reject believers. In whatever happened believers are not alone, the Holy Spirit will work with them.

Encouraged to Fulfil the Mission: Those proclaiming the gospel should focus on God and see Him in control at the time of persecution (Matthew 10:26-33). Believers are so precious to God that He will not forget about them. They should not fear the world in spite of the opposition, nor should they be ashamed of the gospel.

Threats of death should not prevent believers from proclaiming the message of salvation. Those who endure and overcome will find eternal life (Matthew 10:34-39). Believers are called to obediently follow Jesus while they bear the cross of opposition. He has promised to endow his disciples with the power and authority required for success of the mission. Whatever is sacrificed to follow Christ is worth it. Lesson texts: Matthew 10:1-47