Summary
Matthew 10:1–4 – Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
What happens:
Jesus summons his twelve disciples and gives them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. The Twelve are: Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.
What it means:
Jesus entrusts his closest followers with the power and responsibility to continue his healing and deliverance ministry, demonstrating that participation in God’s kingdom is open to ordinary people, even those with unlikely backgrounds.
Matthew 10:5–15 – Instructions for Mission
What happens:
Jesus sends the Twelve to the lost sheep of Israel, instructing them to proclaim that “the kingdom of heaven has come near,” to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, and drive out demons. They are to take no gold, silver, or copper in their belts, no bag for the journey, or extra shirt or sandals; stay in worthy homes and move on if rejected; and shake dust from their feet as a testimony against unwelcoming towns.
What it means:
Dependence on God and hospitality sustains the mission. Rejection of the message carries consequences, but the kingdom announcement must be made without distraction by material concerns.
Matthew 10:16–23 – Persecution Promised
What happens:
Jesus warns his disciples they will face persecution: delivered to local councils, flogged in synagogues, brought before governors and kings, hated by all because of his name. He tells them to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves,” assures them the Spirit will speak through them, and that brother will betray brother and father child. Followers may face death before the Son of Man returns.
What it means:
Kingdom service involves real risk. Wisdom and purity guard integrity, and divine help sustains perseverance through betrayal and hardship.
Matthew 10:24–33 – Fearless Confession
What happens:
Jesus explains that disciples are not above their teacher; they will share in his sufferings. He tells them not to fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; to fear God who can destroy both soul and body in hell. He affirms God’s care for sparrows and promises that even hairs of their head are numbered. Confession of Jesus before others will be met with his confession before the Father; denial leads to denial.
What it means:
Trusting God’s sovereign care dispels fear of human threats. Bold witness to Christ secures eternal acknowledgement by him.
Matthew 10:34–39 – Division and True Discipleship
What happens:
Jesus declares he did not come to bring peace but a sword, predicting division within households. He says anyone who loves father or mother more than him is not worthy of him; whoever does not take up their cross and follow him is not worthy. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for his sake will find it.
What it means:
Commitment to Jesus may fracture relationships. True allegiance may require personal sacrifice and willingness to embrace suffering as part of discipleship.
Matthew 10:40–42 – Rewards for the Least
What happens:
Jesus promises that whoever welcomes his disciples welcomes him and the Father who sent him. Even giving a cup of cold water to one of the least of these who is his disciple will not go unrewarded.
What it means:
Kindness to Jesus’ messengers—even small acts of compassion—reflects hospitality to him and brings divine reward.
Application
- Depend on God’s provision and embrace simplicity in mission, trusting him to meet every need
- Prepare for opposition and rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance to speak and act with wisdom and innocence
- Confess Christ boldly without fear, knowing God’s care surpasses any human threat
- Embrace the cost of discipleship, including possible division and suffering, as part of following Jesus
- Show hospitality and compassion to all who serve Christ, believing that every kindness honors him