Matthew 10:16 - 11::19 Thoughts

When I think about scripture and the church today, I  see two types of genuine Christians; disciples and apostles.

To call someone an apostle or to identify as an apostle might be offensive to some.  They would say, "Surely 'the twelve' were the only apostles.

Well, Jesus was called an apostle in Hebrews 3:1,those sent to preach to Israel in Luke 11:49.  Paul calls himself an apostle many times and refers to Barnabas as an apostle in 1 Cor 9 and James, Jesus' half brother an apostle in Gal 1:19.  Of course, self-appointed apostles are to be avoided (Rev 2:2).  

So what's the difference?

• Disciple - Follower of Christ.  Desiring to be more like Him.  Learning about Him.
• Apostle - Also a disciple.  Sent by Christ on a mission.  A desire to be on the "front lines" of ministry.

1 Cor 12:28-29 tells us, "And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.  Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?  Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?  But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

The implication is not all are apostles, yet Paul says this is the first appointment.  Jesus commands us to "Go therefore and make disciples..."  Personally, I believe this is something we should all be involved in, yet many are satisfied with just being a follower of Jesus.

So, if I want to raise my hand and be like Isaiah when he said, "Here am I! Send me," what does that mean?

This section of scripture in Matthew helps us understand and count the cost of being an apostle for Christ.

When I first think of the idea of being an apostle for Christ, it sounds attractive.  But, reading this section of scripture brings the healthy fear of the Lord into my thinking and makes me realise, "I better not take this journey without the power of the Holy Spirit and God's grace!"

So, I pray that YOU will be called by Jesus as an apostle and by the power of the Holy Spirit do great things in Christ's name for God's glory.  Amen.

Matthew 10:16 - 11::19 Outline

Remember, this section is part of a larger outline that starts at chapter 9:35.

Jesus is ministering and going "about all the cities and villages" teaching, preaching and healing.  This led to a compassion for the work.

• 9:35-38 - Jesus has compassion for the people.
  Note: He then turns to the disciples (followers) and tells them to pray.  Prayer aligns us with Jesus, so this will give us compassion for the people.
• 10:1-4 - Jesus calls His apostles.
  Note: An apostle is simply one who is sent on a mission, being commissioned.
  Note: He calls because of His compassion for the people.
  Note: The next step after prayer is to be given the power of the Holy Spirit.
• 10:5-42 - Jesus teaches the disciples how to do the ministry.
  Note: These things are impossible without the help of the Holy Spirit.
• 10:5-15 - Where to go and how to behave in the cities
• 10:16-26 - Warnings on how difficult the ministry will be.
• 10:27-30 - Comfort in knowing our value in Christ
• 10:31-33 - Comfort knowing how Christ will identify with us when we have identified with Him.
• 10:34-39 - Warnings on how difficult the ministry will be.  This time quoting Old Testament scripture.
  Note: Matthew was writing to Jewish, Religious people.  He quotes a lot of Old Testament scripture to point out how Jesus was fulfilling prophecy.
• 10:40-42 - Jesus shows His identification with us in ministry.  Acceptance or rejection of us reflects on their attitude to Jesus, not us personally.
• 11:1-19 - Jesus deals with John the Baptist's disciples.
• 11:1-3 - Jesus is questioned, are you really the Christ, the Messiah?
• 11:4-6 - Jesus answers, not "yes or no," but tells them to "inspect the fruit."
  Note: All the 'fixes' done, blind/see, deaf/hear, etc. are what you'd expect except "the poor have the gospel preached to them."  Poverty is not a sickness, wealth can be.  Let us be careful in our giving and make sure it is always included with the gospel message.
• 11:7-15 - Jesus points out that John the Baptist was not "as expected" and neither would Jesus' ministry.
• 11:16-19 - People what Jesus to do things their way.  When Jesus doesn't, He is rejected.  People must approach Jesus as Lord, master,  His way.