5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’1 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers,2 cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics3 or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.”
Section Overview
Matthew 10:5–15 begins Jesus’ second block of teaching, this one addressing the mission of the apostles. This unit describes their task in Israel, although the discourse anticipates the broader mission of verse 18. At first Jesus authorizes the apostles to labor only within Israel. After his resurrection, however, they will go to the world. The pattern for their work is the work of Jesus, sketched in chapters 8–9. The apostles go with limited preparation and without definite plans or sure provision. As they travel, they seek faithful Israelites who will receive the apostles, and receive their peace.
Section Outline
IV.B. The Second Discourse: The Disciples Follow Jesus into Mission (10:1–11:1) . . .
2. Disciples Follow the Ministry Practices of Jesus (10:5–10)
3. Disciples Stay in Worthy Houses (10:11–15)
The example of Jesus dominates chapter 10 and structures it.163 In scope, Jesus went first to Israel; the disciples must too (10:5–6). In his message, Jesus proclaimed the kingdom (4:17), so also the Twelve (10:7). In the proof of the presence of the kingdom, Jesus healed the sick (4:23), raised the dead (9:18–26), cleansed lepers (8:1–4), and drove out demons (8:28–34). The apostles will do the same (10:8). In manner, Jesus gave miracles freely; so do the disciples (10:8). In provision, both Jesus and the Twelve depend on generous supporters (10:9–10) Geographically, Jesus kept moving (Luke 4:43); so must the apostles (Matt. 10:11–15).
Response
Matthew 10:5–15 holds an array of implications for the Christian life. The passage illustrates that the gospel is to the Jew first, then to the Greek (vv. 5–6). Still, the Lord will later extend the blessings originally intended for Israel to the entire world. This passage also places God’s redemption within his broader work of universal reign (v. 7). It reminds kingdom workers that Jesus bestows power and authority on his ambassadors, even if the Spirit and the church are his proximate agents (v. 8). It also establishes basic principles for ecclesiastical finance: the gospel is free, and therefore its benefits must be distributed freely. God’s agents must, then, trust God’s people to support them, which God’s people must do (vv. 9–14). Finally, this passage calls people to respond to the light they receive and warns them of judgment if they do not (v. 15).
The temporary ban on work among Gentiles, unequivocally lifted after the resurrection, demands additional comment. Jesus tells the apostles to stay in Israel for several reasons. First, Israel had received God’s promises and prophecies, so the message must go to them first. Second, the apostles, with their prejudices, are not ready to minister to Gentiles (Matt. 15:21–28; Luke 9:52–55). Who can minister to people they despise? As Paul writes, “If I . . . have not love, I am nothing” (1 Cor. 13:2); he tells the Philippians, “I hold you in my heart” (Phil. 1:7). When the apostles can say that of the Gentiles, they will be ready to work with them.
Finally, when Jesus tells the apostles to imitate his destination, message, and especially his methods, he proves that the imitation of Christ is one hallmark of discipleship. When God offers the kingdom to all, he does so through disciples who give freely, travel broadly, and trust God’s provision, delivered through God’s people.