📅 January 08: Matthew 10 - The Commissioning of the Disciples

Daily Bible Readings January
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:date: January 08: Matthew 10 - The Commissioning of the Disciples

Embracing the Call of Discipleship and Its Challenges

:star2: Introduction

Today, we delve into Matthew 10, where Jesus commissions his disciples to spread the Gospel. This chapter imparts crucial lessons about discipleship, courage, and the complexities of sharing faith in a world of differing beliefs.

:bulb: Key Themes and Reflections:

  • The Mission of the Disciples: Jesus equips and sends out his disciples, providing them with guidance on how to carry out their mission.
  • Facing Persecution: The chapter emphasizes the challenges disciples will face, including persecution, but encourages steadfastness and trust in God.
  • Balancing Wisdom and Innocence: The need for being ‘shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves’ reflects the delicate balance required in spreading the Gospel.

:scroll: Key Verse:

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” — Matthew 10:16

This verse encapsulates the dual nature of the disciples’ mission – to be both cautious and gentle in their approach.

:man_walking: Matthew 10: A Call to Bold Witness

Matthew 10 is a candid depiction of the trials and triumphs of being a disciple. Jesus does not sugarcoat the difficulties they will face, yet he assures them of God’s providence and the ultimate reward for their faithfulness.

:mag: Hidden Gem:

This chapter contains a profound promise that not even a sparrow falls to the ground outside the Father’s care, highlighting God’s attentiveness to even the smallest details of His creation and His followers’ lives.

:thought_balloon: Reflective Q&A:

:earth_asia: The Dynamics of Discipleship: :question: Courage in the Face of Persecution: How does Jesus’ instruction about facing persecution shape our understanding of discipleship? A: It teaches us that following Christ may involve hardships, yet it also encourages us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that our perseverance is not in vain.

:question: Balancing Wisdom and Innocence: What can we learn from the directive to be ‘shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves’? A: This guidance urges us to navigate the world with discernment and integrity, blending wisdom with a commitment to remain morally and ethically upright.

:speech_balloon: Join the Discussion:

How do Matthew 10’s teachings on discipleship and courage resonate with your spiritual journey? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!

#Discipleship #Courage #Gospel #Faith #Challenges #BibleStudy #SpiritualJourney #Matthew10

:date: See You Tomorrow in Matthew: Continue your enlightening journey with us. Explore further the teachings and parables of Jesus as we delve deeper into the Gospel of Matthew.

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Matthew 10
Twelve men (typical of the twelve tribes of Israel) were chosen to accompany the Master in his ministry to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. They were specifically selected, as even the betrayer was to play an important part in the great drama of the Lord’s atoning work. The last public prayer of the Lord recognised this principle (John 17:12). The apostles’ names are recorded in three Gospel records, each in a different order. Matthew’s list reveals a remarkable story in the names recorded, providing a path to success, or one to failure. Simon Peter signifies Hearing the Rock; Andrew: Strong Man; James: Supplanter; John: Grace of Yah; Philip: Lover of Horses; Bartholomew: Son of the Suspender of Waters; Thomas: Double; Completing; Matthew: Given; James Alpheaus: Supplanter; the Chief or First One; Judas Lebbaus: Praise of the Heart; Simon: Zealous Hearing; Judas Iscariot: Praise of Rewards. • Thus, the story provides the following: Hear the Rock of Christ – Imitate the Strong one – Supplant evil with good – Seek the grace of Yahweh – Be a warrior for the Truth – rejoice in the relationship as Sons of the Suspender of waters – Assist others as we have been given – Reach to spiritual maturity – Manifest the Alpha and Omega – Hearing diligently His words – Praising Him from the heart. • And the story for spiritual failure is seen in the sad example of Judas Iscariot: Placing value on present material benefits to the exclusion of the Truth will always lead to spiritual suicide. Further the selection of twelve men as apostles of the Lord Yahshua, reflects the tribal structure of Israel, the sons of Jacob. But these twelve men were not only to be involved in the Lord’s ministry; they were to manifest his teachings and principles to the “whole house of Israel.” The Master sent them forth with power to testify to his teaching, and to reveal the means to ultimate redemption. The “power over unclean spirits” and the “healing of all sickness” were but a token of the real redemption of the body through the development of the spiritual qualities of the Master. Thus, ultimately this mortal will put on immortality (endless life) and this corruptible will put on incorruption (bodily perfection). So the twelve men were instructed in the way by which their preaching should be undertaken. The record reveals: [1] The apostles selected: vv. 1-4. They were specially prepared by God for the work proposed (Jn. 17:6, 12). The absence of “educational polish” (Acts 4:13), made them suitable vehicles for the Truth. This laid the foundation for the ecclesias to be developed by the apostles (Eph. 2:19-21; Rev. 21:14). [2] Christ instructs his apostles on the mission: vv. 5-15. [3] Their attitudes amidst enemies: vv. 16-18. [4] Their defence to be in God: vv. 19-22. [5] Their reception would be hostile: vv. 23-25. [6] Their preaching to be fearless: vv. 26-31. [7] Their pleasure is in doing God’s will: vv. 32-33. [8] Their life to be a dedicated sacrifice: vv. 34-39. [9] Their reward is assured: vv. 40-42. • These instructions provide the platform for successful witnessing to those about us. Such should be based upon a clear, comprehensive explanation of the Word, accompanied by prayer, trust in Yahweh, and a full commitment. In that spirit, the true believer must continue to reflect this chapter in the work of the Truth today. — Logos.