Bishop YoussefBishop Youssef · "The Limited Commission“ (5"The Limited Commission“ (5- -42)42) ... (Mt 9:37- -38),38), Jesus selected twelve disciples This account of sending

Bishop YoussefBishop Youssef

IntroductionIntroduction

In this Chapter We Will Discuss:In this Chapter We Will Discuss:

The selection of the twelve apostlesThe selection of the twelve apostles

Jesus’ evangelistic principles Jesus’ evangelistic principles

An OverviewAn Overview

At the end of chapter 9, Jesus looked at the crowds and At the end of chapter 9, Jesus looked at the crowds and his heart his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherdabandoned, like sheep without a shepherd ((Mt 9:37Mt 9:37))

J h j d d th hi h f th Old C t Ch h tJ h j d d th hi h f th Old C t Ch h t Jesus has judged the hierarchy of the Old Covenant Church toJesus has judged the hierarchy of the Old Covenant Church tobe negligent shepherds who do not properly "tend" the flock of be negligent shepherds who do not properly "tend" the flock of Israel God's covenant peopleIsrael God's covenant peopleIsrael, God s covenant peopleIsrael, God s covenant people

The metaphor of Israel as the flock of God is a common image in The metaphor of Israel as the flock of God is a common image in Scripture (i.e., 1 Kgs 22:17; Ps 77:20; 78:52; Jer 13:17, 20; Scripture (i.e., 1 Kgs 22:17; Ps 77:20; 78:52; Jer 13:17, 20;

23:223:2--3; 31:10; 3; 31:10; EzEz 34:3,6,8 34:3,6,8 four times, 10 three times, 15, 17, 19, four times, 10 three times, 15, 17, 19, 22, 31 three times, 37 and 38; Zech 13:7; etc.)22, 31 three times, 37 and 38; Zech 13:7; etc.)


The imagery of Israel as God's flock and the metaphor linking The imagery of Israel as God's flock and the metaphor linking God's ordained priesthood to "shepherds" of the flock is God's ordained priesthood to "shepherds" of the flock is especially strong in Ezekiel chapter 34 where God condemns theespecially strong in Ezekiel chapter 34 where God condemns theh h d f I l (th i t ) f f ili t l d Hi fl k dh h d f I l (th i t ) f f ili t l d Hi fl k dshepherds of Israel (the priests) for failing to lead His flock and shepherds of Israel (the priests) for failing to lead His flock and

for profiting off His flockfor profiting off His flock In Matthew 9:36 Jesus alludes to this passage as He passesIn Matthew 9:36 Jesus alludes to this passage as He passes In Matthew 9 36, Jesus alludes to this passage as He passes In Matthew 9 36, Jesus alludes to this passage as He passes

judgment on the "shepherds" of Israeljudgment on the "shepherds" of Israel


Following His own call for prayer for more laborers (Mt 9:37Following His own call for prayer for more laborers (Mt 9:37--38), 38), Jesus selected twelve disciples to be His apostles and gave them Jesus selected twelve disciples to be His apostles and gave them power to cast out demons and heal all kinds of disease (1power to cast out demons and heal all kinds of disease (1--4)4)

He then sent them to preach and heal throughout the cities of He then sent them to preach and heal throughout the cities of Israel with specific instructions in what has come to be calledIsrael with specific instructions in what has come to be calledIsrael with specific instructions in what has come to be called Israel with specific instructions in what has come to be called "The Limited Commission“ (5"The Limited Commission“ (5--42)42)

Almost the entire chapter is a speech by Jesus explaining to Almost the entire chapter is a speech by Jesus explaining to them their jobs as missionaries and witnesses for Himthem their jobs as missionaries and witnesses for Him

The Twelve Apostles (10:1-4)The Twelve Apostles (10:1 4)

Following His own call for prayer for more laborers (Mt 9:37Following His own call for prayer for more laborers (Mt 9:37--38),38),Jesus selected twelve disciplesJesus selected twelve disciples

This account of sending the apostles forth is recorded also inThis account of sending the apostles forth is recorded also inMark 6:7Mark 6:7--11, and Luke 9:111, and Luke 9:1--66Mark 6 7Mark 6 7 11, and Luke 9 111, and Luke 9 1 66

St. Mark says that He sent them out two and twoSt. Mark says that He sent them out two and two Twelve is the number of the tribes of IsraelTwelve is the number of the tribes of Israel Th t l h d l d b ll d d h d tt d d th L dTh t l h d l d b ll d d h d tt d d th L d The twelve had already been called, and had attended the Lord The twelve had already been called, and had attended the Lord

for some timefor some time They were now commissioned and sent forth as apostlesThey were now commissioned and sent forth as apostlesy py p It is time for the disciples to stop just observing and time for It is time for the disciples to stop just observing and time for

them to start being a witnessthem to start being a witness Fo Ch i tia a da like that t co e fo all ofFo Ch i tia a da like that t co e fo all of For Christians, a day like that must come for all of usFor Christians, a day like that must come for all of us


Their commission is to do the same kind of works of mercy Their commission is to do the same kind of works of mercy which Jesus had done, and thus to carry out His missionwhich Jesus had done, and thus to carry out His mission

Works of mercy and love are inseparable from the true Works of mercy and love are inseparable from the true hi f th lhi f th lpreaching of the gospelpreaching of the gospel

Those who were Christ's apostles were first His disciplesThose who were Christ's apostles were first His disciples Men must be first taught of God before they be sentMen must be first taught of God before they be sent Men must be first taught of God, before they be sent Men must be first taught of God, before they be sent Jesus Christ never made an apostle of any man who was not Jesus Christ never made an apostle of any man who was not

first His scholar or disciplefirst His scholar or disciple These twelve apostles were chosenThese twelve apostles were chosen This is the first place where the word apostle is usedThis is the first place where the word apostle is used

The Twelve Apostles (10:1-4)The Twelve Apostles (10:1-4)

The account of their being called is more fully given in Mark The account of their being called is more fully given in Mark 3:133:13--18 18 and Luke 6:12and Luke 6:12--1919

They enumerate the twelve in immediate connection with their They enumerate the twelve in immediate connection with their i t ti t t M kM k 3 133 13 1919 L kL k 6 136 13 1616appointment appointment Mark Mark 3:133:13--19; 19; Luke Luke 6:136:13--1616

There are three pairs of brothers among themThere are three pairs of brothers among them Andrew and Peter James and John James the Less and JudasAndrew and Peter James and John James the Less and Judas Andrew and Peter, James and John, James the Less and Judas, Andrew and Peter, James and John, James the Less and Judas,

or Thaddeus or Thaddeus With the exception of Judas Iscariot, all were Galileans; severalWith the exception of Judas Iscariot, all were Galileans; several

of them were by trade fishermen, there was neither priest nor of them were by trade fishermen, there was neither priest nor scribe among them; all were from the ranks of the common scribe among them; all were from the ranks of the common

llpeoplepeople


One should never believe that he is “inadequate” to be a witnessOne should never believe that he is “inadequate” to be a witnessfor Jesusfor Jesus

God can and does use anyone who is willing to be His discipleGod can and does use anyone who is willing to be His disciple S f th di i l k l t b t d kS f th di i l k l t b t d k Some of these disciples we know a lot about, and some we knowSome of these disciples we know a lot about, and some we know

very little aboutvery little about Notice that among the 12 disciples St Matthew the writer ofNotice that among the 12 disciples St Matthew the writer of Notice that among the 12 disciples, St. Matthew, the writer of Notice that among the 12 disciples, St. Matthew, the writer of

this gospel, is the only one that lists his professionthis gospel, is the only one that lists his profession He never forgot “who he was”He never forgot “who he was” St. Matthew mentioned “who also betrayed him”, not only for St. Matthew mentioned “who also betrayed him”, not only for

further distinction's sake, but to his great reproachfurther distinction's sake, but to his great reproach

Sending Out the Twelve(10:5-15)

His first instructions were to go only to the Israelites; the people His first instructions were to go only to the Israelites; the people among whom the Messiah was bornamong whom the Messiah was born

The Jewish law, national, exclusive, a wall of partition from The Jewish law, national, exclusive, a wall of partition from Gentiles, was yet in forceGentiles, was yet in force

I J i h i d h i l i l h JI J i h i d h i l i l h J In a Jewish mind at that time, salvation was only to the JewsIn a Jewish mind at that time, salvation was only to the Jews Christ, born under the law, and the apostles also were under it Christ, born under the law, and the apostles also were under it

until it was removeduntil it was removeduntil it was removeduntil it was removed To tell the disciples to go to Samaritans or Gentiles at this time To tell the disciples to go to Samaritans or Gentiles at this time

would have been too radical for them to handle would have been too radical for them to handle They and the Jews had been for ages bitter enemiesThey and the Jews had been for ages bitter enemies


Samaritans were the inhabitants of Samaria, a district between Samaritans were the inhabitants of Samaria, a district between Judea and Galilee; descendants of a remnant of the Ten Tribes, Judea and Galilee; descendants of a remnant of the Ten Tribes, mixed with Gentiles colonized theremixed with Gentiles colonized there

They accepted the five books of Moses, but worshipped on MountThey accepted the five books of Moses, but worshipped on MountG i i i d f J lG i i i d f J lGerizim, instead of at JerusalemGerizim, instead of at Jerusalem

When Christ died the old dispensation, the law, died with HimWhen Christ died the old dispensation, the law, died with Him The handwriting of ordinances was nailed to the cross (Col 2:14)The handwriting of ordinances was nailed to the cross (Col 2:14) The handwriting of ordinances was nailed to the cross (Col 2:14)The handwriting of ordinances was nailed to the cross (Col 2:14) The old covenant passed away when the new came into force, The old covenant passed away when the new came into force,

sealed with the blood of Christsealed with the blood of Christ

Sending Out the Twelve (10:5-15)

After the death and resurrection of Christ, the law ceased to be After the death and resurrection of Christ, the law ceased to be binding upon the apostlesbinding upon the apostles

The distinctions of Jew and Gentile were destroyedThe distinctions of Jew and Gentile were destroyed Th ld t ith th d f Ab h thTh ld t ith th d f Ab h th The old covenant was with the seed of Abraham; the new The old covenant was with the seed of Abraham; the new

covenant embraced all nations, Hebrews 8:13covenant embraced all nations, Hebrews 8:13


The grand subject of apostolic preaching was The grand subject of apostolic preaching was -- The Kingdom Of The Kingdom Of Heaven Is At Hand! This was the great messageHeaven Is At Hand! This was the great message

It had not yet been inauguratedIt had not yet been inaugurated So the apostles were still to preach; it was near, but not in So the apostles were still to preach; it was near, but not in

i ti texistenceexistence Jesus says to go perform the miracles like the ones He has done Jesus says to go perform the miracles like the ones He has done

in the last two chaptersin the last two chaptersin the last two chaptersin the last two chapters Jesus is given them the authority to perform these miraclesJesus is given them the authority to perform these miracles There is no cost associated with the given of this powerThere is no cost associated with the given of this power Jesus simply says in effect “I’m given you this power for free”Jesus simply says in effect “I’m given you this power for free” Since I give it for free, give it to others for freeSince I give it for free, give it to others for free A l d f t t tA l d f t t t A rule very necessary, and of great extentA rule very necessary, and of great extent


This is about stepping out in faithThis is about stepping out in faith Where God leads, God providesWhere God leads, God provides Have no money in your purse is a commandHave no money in your purse is a command Th t h th h d h ld l ll th i tTh t h th h d h ld l ll th i t Those to whom they preached should supply all their wants; Those to whom they preached should supply all their wants;

compare 1 compare 1 Timothy Timothy 5:18 5:18 to 1 Corinthians to 1 Corinthians 9:79:7--1414 This has always been the law of ChristThis has always been the law of Christ This has always been the law of ChristThis has always been the law of Christ It is a maintenance, and that only, which a minister of God is to It is a maintenance, and that only, which a minister of God is to

expect, and that he has a Divine right to; but not to make a expect, and that he has a Divine right to; but not to make a fortune, or lay up wealthfortune, or lay up wealth

A staff was always carried in walking over the rugged A staff was always carried in walking over the rugged t i f P l tit i f P l timountains of Palestinemountains of Palestine


They are directed what to do in strange towns and citiesThey are directed what to do in strange towns and cities The servant of Christ is the ambassador of peace to whatever The servant of Christ is the ambassador of peace to whatever

place he is sentplace he is sent They were not to throw themselves in the way of insultThey were not to throw themselves in the way of insult They were not to throw themselves in the way of insultThey were not to throw themselves in the way of insult They were not to board round from house to houseThey were not to board round from house to house They were to content themselves with one house; not to wander They were to content themselves with one house; not to wander

b t i th f b d di t ; t tb t i th f b d di t ; t tabout in the manner of beggars and mendicants; not to appear about in the manner of beggars and mendicants; not to appear to be people of idleness and fond of change; not to seem to be people of idleness and fond of change; not to seem dissatisfied with the hospitality of the people; but to show that dissatisfied with the hospitality of the people; but to show that p y p pp y p pthey had regular, important work; that they valued their they had regular, important work; that they valued their time; that they were disposed to give themselves to labor, and time; that they were disposed to give themselves to labor, and

e e i te t o l o the o k fo hich he had e t thee e i te t o l o the o k fo hich he had e t thewere intent only on the work for which he had sent themwere intent only on the work for which he had sent them


They are directed how to act as to those that refused themThey are directed how to act as to those that refused them The whole counsel of God must be declared, and those who will The whole counsel of God must be declared, and those who will

not attend to the gracious message, must be shown that their not attend to the gracious message, must be shown that their state is dangerousstate is dangerous

This should be seriously laid to heart by all that hear the gospelThis should be seriously laid to heart by all that hear the gospel This should be seriously laid to heart by all that hear the gospel,This should be seriously laid to heart by all that hear the gospel, It was the custom for Jews and Israelites returning from GentileIt was the custom for Jews and Israelites returning from Gentile

territory before crossing the border into the Promised Land to territory before crossing the border into the Promised Land to y gy gshake the dust of the pagan lands off their feet as symbolic of shake the dust of the pagan lands off their feet as symbolic of the "uncleanness" of pagans and the "purity" of the Promised the "uncleanness" of pagans and the "purity" of the Promised Land and those in covenant with God. Jesus command Land and those in covenant with God. Jesus command suggests that the disciples are to treat covenant members who suggests that the disciples are to treat covenant members who reject their message proclaiming the kingdom like heathenreject their message proclaiming the kingdom like heathenreject their message proclaiming the kingdom like heathen reject their message proclaiming the kingdom like heathen GentilesGentiles


The judgment of covenant brothers and sisters who reject their The judgment of covenant brothers and sisters who reject their message of the coming of the kingdom will be greater than the message of the coming of the kingdom will be greater than the judgment on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah "two judgment on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah "two communities that were destroyed because of their wickedness communities that were destroyed because of their wickedness

d th i f l t h G d' th t lid th i f l t h G d' th t liand their refusal to honor God's messengers, the two angelic and their refusal to honor God's messengers, the two angelic beings sent there to seek out ten righteous menbeings sent there to seek out ten righteous men

The two cities in the plain near the Dead Sea became symbols ofThe two cities in the plain near the Dead Sea became symbols of The two cities in the plain near the Dead Sea became symbols of The two cities in the plain near the Dead Sea became symbols of wickedness and judgment in the Old Testament (Deut 29:22wickedness and judgment in the Old Testament (Deut 29:22--23; 23; Is 1:9, Is 1:9, 13:19; 13:19; JerJer 49:18, 49:18, 50:40)50:40)

The same symbol of wickedness and judgment connected to The same symbol of wickedness and judgment connected to Sodom and Gomorrah was employed by New Testament writers Sodom and Gomorrah was employed by New Testament writers (R 9:29; 2(R 9:29; 2 P tP t 2:6; J d 7; R 11:8)2:6; J d 7; R 11:8)(Rom 9:29; 2 (Rom 9:29; 2 Pet Pet 2:6; Jude 7; Rev 11:8)2:6; Jude 7; Rev 11:8)

Persecutions Are Coming (10:16-26)

God wants us to be a witness to the world, but at the same time God wants us to be a witness to the world, but at the same time not “trust” the worldnot “trust” the world

O L d d Hi di i l f iO L d d Hi di i l f i Our Lord warned His disciples to prepare for persecutionOur Lord warned His disciples to prepare for persecution They were to avoid all things which gave advantage to their They were to avoid all things which gave advantage to their

enemiesenemies Sheep is defenseless by human means, among the fierce and Sheep is defenseless by human means, among the fierce and

cruel; among bitter enemiescruel; among bitter enemies S t ti i idi dS t ti i idi d Serpents are very cautious in avoiding dangerSerpents are very cautious in avoiding danger The dove, peaceful, never preying on other birds, has always The dove, peaceful, never preying on other birds, has always

been a symbol of innocencebeen a symbol of innocenceyy It would sound strange indeed that they are sent as sheepIt would sound strange indeed that they are sent as sheep

among the wolvesamong the wolves


However, “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” is a However, “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” is a wonderful combination wonderful combination

Th i d f th t ld th fTh i d f th t ld th f The wisdom of the serpent would save them from unnecessary The wisdom of the serpent would save them from unnecessary exposure to danger; the harmlessness of the dove, from sinful exposure to danger; the harmlessness of the dove, from sinful ways to escape itways to escape itways to escape itways to escape it

Be on your guard against people who are like wolvesBe on your guard against people who are like wolves Do not run unnecessarily into danger; use suitable prudence andDo not run unnecessarily into danger; use suitable prudence and

caution, and do not endanger your livescaution, and do not endanger your lives Christ foretold troubles, not only that the troubles might not be Christ foretold troubles, not only that the troubles might not be

i b t th t th i ht fi th i f ithi b t th t th i ht fi th i f itha surprise, but that they might confirm their faitha surprise, but that they might confirm their faith


This prediction was completely and abundantly fulfilled, Acts This prediction was completely and abundantly fulfilled, Acts 5:26, 12:15:26, 12:1--4, 23:33, 26:1, 26:28, 26:304, 23:33, 26:1, 26:28, 26:30

Th tl h i th t th h ld b d li d tTh tl h i th t th h ld b d li d t The apostles hearing that they should be delivered up to The apostles hearing that they should be delivered up to councils, and brought before governors and kings, might be councils, and brought before governors and kings, might be under some concern how they should behave, and what theyunder some concern how they should behave, and what theyunder some concern how they should behave, and what they under some concern how they should behave, and what they should be able to say in vindication of themselves and truth, should be able to say in vindication of themselves and truth, before such great persons; they were illiterate men; most of before such great persons; they were illiterate men; most of them poor fishermen; and might fear that the Gospel would them poor fishermen; and might fear that the Gospel would suffer suffer

N i d t th i f d bj ti d tN i d t th i f d bj ti d t Now, in order to remove their fears and objections, and to Now, in order to remove their fears and objections, and to strengthen and comfort their minds, our Lord promised them anstrengthen and comfort their minds, our Lord promised them animmediate assistance immediate assistance e a e ass s a cee a e ass s a ce


The Holy Spirit will give them the word when they make their The Holy Spirit will give them the word when they make their defense before civil magistratesdefense before civil magistrates

This was an extraordinary promise, and was literally fulfilled This was an extraordinary promise, and was literally fulfilled N ti J d ’t “If th t ” itN ti J d ’t “If th t ” it WhWh Notice Jesus doesn’t say, “If they arrest you”, it says, Notice Jesus doesn’t say, “If they arrest you”, it says, When When

they deliver you upthey deliver you up Persecution for following Jesus was to be expectedPersecution for following Jesus was to be expected Persecution for following Jesus was to be expectedPersecution for following Jesus was to be expected Your Father Your Father -- This is added to excite and increase their This is added to excite and increase their

confidence in Godconfidence in God

Persecutions Are Coming(10:16-26)

The division in families was a prophecy of the end times, Micah The division in families was a prophecy of the end times, Micah 7:67:6

The rest of the family shall turn upon their own kindred who The rest of the family shall turn upon their own kindred who accept Christ, and become their bitter enemiesaccept Christ, and become their bitter enemies

Thi h b f lfill d th d f ti iThi h b f lfill d th d f ti i This has been fulfilled thousands of times in every ageThis has been fulfilled thousands of times in every age The human heart would be opposed to them, because it is The human heart would be opposed to them, because it is

opposed to Christopposed to Christ He that bears all these unspeakable sufferings, and who does He that bears all these unspeakable sufferings, and who does

not shrink and apostatize, will give decisive evidence of not shrink and apostatize, will give decisive evidence of attachment to me and shall enter into heavenattachment to me and shall enter into heaven RevelationRevelation 3:213:21--attachment to me, and shall enter into heaven, attachment to me, and shall enter into heaven, Revelation Revelation 3:213:21--

2222 Perseverance gives proof of genuine faith, and is sure of rewardPerseverance gives proof of genuine faith, and is sure of reward


They were not to rashly expose their lives where it would do no They were not to rashly expose their lives where it would do no good, but go elsewhere and continue preachinggood, but go elsewhere and continue preaching

Life is a sacred possession, and must not be flung awayLife is a sacred possession, and must not be flung away It b i f th k f Ch i tIt b i f th k f Ch i t It may be given up for the sake of ChristIt may be given up for the sake of Christ All the commands of Christ, as well as their conduct, show that All the commands of Christ, as well as their conduct, show that

they were rather to lay down their lives than deny their Saviorthey were rather to lay down their lives than deny their Saviorthey were rather to lay down their lives than deny their Saviorthey were rather to lay down their lives than deny their Savior It is often used in the sense of the destruction of Jerusalem, It is often used in the sense of the destruction of Jerusalem,

which happened about thirty years after this was spoken, which happened about thirty years after this was spoken, Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27, Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27, 21:3221:32

There is also the final coming to judge the worldThere is also the final coming to judge the world Th di i l t t t b t t d lik th M tTh di i l t t t b t t d lik th M t The disciples must expect to be treated like the MasterThe disciples must expect to be treated like the Master


Three relations in which Christ stands to His people are here Three relations in which Christ stands to His people are here mentioned; He is their Teachermentioned; He is their Teacher——they are His disciplesthey are His disciples

H i th i L dH i th i L d th Hi tth Hi t He is their LordHe is their Lord——they are His servantsthey are His servants He is the Master of the householdHe is the Master of the household——they are its inmatesthey are its inmates In all these relations, He says here, He and they are so boundIn all these relations, He says here, He and they are so bound In all these relations, He says here, He and they are so bound In all these relations, He says here, He and they are so bound

up together that they cannot look to be better than Himup together that they cannot look to be better than Him A general direction to all the persecuted followers of ChristA general direction to all the persecuted followers of Christ Fear them not, for they can make you suffer nothing worse than Fear them not, for they can make you suffer nothing worse than

they have made Christ suffer; and under all trials He has they have made Christ suffer; and under all trials He has i d th t l ti d th t l tpromised the most ample supportpromised the most ample support

Christ shall triumph, and all shall be brought to judgment, Christ shall triumph, and all shall be brought to judgment, where every secret shall be made manifestwhere every secret shall be made manifestw e e eve y sec e s a e a e a esw e e eve y sec e s a e a e a es

Jesus Teaches the Fear of God (10:27-31)

The Lord had to teach them in private before He could send The Lord had to teach them in private before He could send them forththem forth

The Lord directs them to speak in the most public mannerThe Lord directs them to speak in the most public manner Th b t tTh b t t These verses are about encouragementThese verses are about encouragement People have no power to injure the soul, the immortal partPeople have no power to injure the soul, the immortal part Temporal death is a slight thing compared with eternal deathTemporal death is a slight thing compared with eternal death Temporal death is a slight thing compared with eternal deathTemporal death is a slight thing compared with eternal death He directs them, therefore, not to be alarmed at the prospect of He directs them, therefore, not to be alarmed at the prospect of

temporal death, but to fear God, who can destroy both soul and temporal death, but to fear God, who can destroy both soul and body foreverbody forever

Jesus Teaches the Fear of God (10:27-31)

Sparrows are among the smallest and least valuable birds, yet Sparrows are among the smallest and least valuable birds, yet under the Divine careunder the Divine care

So cheap as to be offered in pairs for an insignificant coin, but So cheap as to be offered in pairs for an insignificant coin, but G d t th f ll fG d t th f ll fGod notes the fall of oneGod notes the fall of one

He takes care of birds of the least value, if He regards so small aHe takes care of birds of the least value, if He regards so small athing as the hair of the head and numbers it He will certainlything as the hair of the head and numbers it He will certainlything as the hair of the head, and numbers it, He will certainly thing as the hair of the head, and numbers it, He will certainly protect and provide for youprotect and provide for you

You need not, therefore, fear what man can do to youYou need not, therefore, fear what man can do to you

Confess Christ Before Men (10:32-33)

To confess Christ means to publicly acknowledge the Lord, and To confess Christ means to publicly acknowledge the Lord, and to live before men as His servantto live before men as His servant

An acknowledgment of Christ is by obedience and by giving the An acknowledgment of Christ is by obedience and by giving the lif t Hi ilif t Hi ilife to His servicelife to His service

Confession is a demonstration of faithConfession is a demonstration of faith Public acknowledgment and an obedient lifePublic acknowledgment and an obedient life Public acknowledgment and an obedient lifePublic acknowledgment and an obedient life A verbal acknowledgment of Christ is not enough if the life is a A verbal acknowledgment of Christ is not enough if the life is a

denial, for then it shows that the acknowledgment was a liedenial, for then it shows that the acknowledgment was a lie The two must correspondThe two must correspond

Confess Christ Before Men (10:32-33)

Christ sitting on the throne of judgment promises to Christ sitting on the throne of judgment promises to acknowledge as His own faithful brother every one who has thus acknowledge as His own faithful brother every one who has thus acknowledged Him before menacknowledged Him before men

Th di i l h th h th f th ld tTh di i l h th h th f th ld t The disciple who, through the cares of the world, turns away The disciple who, through the cares of the world, turns away from Christian life, denies Himfrom Christian life, denies Him

The Jews denied him when they rejected Him as MessiahThe Jews denied him when they rejected Him as Messiah The Jews denied him when they rejected Him as MessiahThe Jews denied him when they rejected Him as Messiah

Christ Brings Division(10:34-39)

This is taken from Micah 7:6This is taken from Micah 7:6 Christ did not here mean to say that the object of his comingChrist did not here mean to say that the object of his coming

was to produce discord and contention, for He was the Prince of was to produce discord and contention, for He was the Prince of P I i hP I i h 9 6 11 69 6 11 6 L k 2 14 b t H tL k 2 14 b t H tPeace, Isaiah Peace, Isaiah 9:6,11:69:6,11:6; Luke 2:14; but He means to say ; Luke 2:14; but He means to say that such would be one of the effects of His comingthat such would be one of the effects of His coming

One part of a family that was opposed to Him would setOne part of a family that was opposed to Him would set One part of a family that was opposed to Him would set One part of a family that was opposed to Him would set themselves against those who believed in Himthemselves against those who believed in Him

The only sword that Christ or His followers use in the conflict is The only sword that Christ or His followers use in the conflict is the Sword of the Spirit, but the persecutor has in every age the Sword of the Spirit, but the persecutor has in every age turned upon them the carnal swordturned upon them the carnal sword

Christ Brings Division (10:34-39)

The spirit of Christ will not have union with the spirit of the The spirit of Christ will not have union with the spirit of the worldworld

Even a father, while unconverted, will oppose a godly childEven a father, while unconverted, will oppose a godly child M t h b t d t f h d b i h d bM t h b t d t f h d b i h d b Many converts have been turned out of home and banished by Many converts have been turned out of home and banished by

kindred, because he had confessed Christkindred, because he had confessed Christ Thus the spirit that is in those who sin against God is opposedThus the spirit that is in those who sin against God is opposed Thus the spirit that is in those who sin against God is opposed Thus the spirit that is in those who sin against God is opposed

to that spirit which is in the followers of the Most Highto that spirit which is in the followers of the Most High It is the spirits then that are in opposition, and not the personsIt is the spirits then that are in opposition, and not the persons


If we are not willing to give up all earthly possessions, and If we are not willing to give up all earthly possessions, and forsake all earthly friends, and if we do not obey Him rather forsake all earthly friends, and if we do not obey Him rather than all others, we have no true attachment to Himthan all others, we have no true attachment to Him

Th L d d t i t l th l b t HiTh L d d t i t l th l b t Hi The Lord does not require us to love these less, but Him moreThe Lord does not require us to love these less, but Him more Love for Him must become the dominant principle of lifeLove for Him must become the dominant principle of life St Luke adds daily (Lk 9:23); not once but all the timeSt Luke adds daily (Lk 9:23); not once but all the time St. Luke adds, daily (Lk 9 23); not once, but all the timeSt. Luke adds, daily (Lk 9 23); not once, but all the time The cross is the pain of the selfThe cross is the pain of the self--denial requireddenial required The cross is the symbol of doing our duty, even at the cost of the The cross is the symbol of doing our duty, even at the cost of the

most painful deathmost painful death


Christ obeyed God, and carried out His work of the salvation of Christ obeyed God, and carried out His work of the salvation of men, though it required Him to die upon the cross in order to domen, though it required Him to die upon the cross in order to doitit

A d i th h t d th b l t fA d i th h t d th b l t f And ever since, the cross has stood as the symbol, not of And ever since, the cross has stood as the symbol, not of suffering, but of suffering for the sake of Christ and His gospelsuffering, but of suffering for the sake of Christ and His gospel

To follow Christ is to take Him for our master our teacher ourTo follow Christ is to take Him for our master our teacher our To follow Christ is to take Him for our master, our teacher, our To follow Christ is to take Him for our master, our teacher, our example; to believe His doctrines, to uphold His cause, to obey example; to believe His doctrines, to uphold His cause, to obey His precepts, and to do it though it leads to heaven by the way His precepts, and to do it though it leads to heaven by the way of the crossof the cross


Whoever counts his life of so much value that he will preserve it Whoever counts his life of so much value that he will preserve it by sacrificing his Christian integrity, or will renounce his by sacrificing his Christian integrity, or will renounce his religion to save his life, will find in the end that he has lost his religion to save his life, will find in the end that he has lost his

l f f th k f f t i t hil h hl f f th k f f t i t hil h hsoul forever for the sake of a few transient years; while he who soul forever for the sake of a few transient years; while he who gives up all things, even life itself, will find an abundant reward gives up all things, even life itself, will find an abundant reward in the life eternalin the life eternalin the life eternalin the life eternal

All selfAll self--seeking is selfseeking is self--losinglosing The Divine law is always to give in order to receiveThe Divine law is always to give in order to receive

A Cup of Cold Water(10:40-42)

The apostles would go forth in Christ's name, as His servantsThe apostles would go forth in Christ's name, as His servantsand ambassadorsand ambassadors

They carried His message, and to receive it and them was They carried His message, and to receive it and them was virtually receiving Himvirtually receiving Himvirtually receiving Himvirtually receiving Him

Though the kindness done to Christ's disciples be ever so small, Though the kindness done to Christ's disciples be ever so small, yet if there be occasion for it, and ability to do no more, it shall yet if there be occasion for it, and ability to do no more, it shall b t db t dbe acceptedbe accepted

In all these three illustrations Christ meant to teach In all these three illustrations Christ meant to teach substantially the same thing substantially the same thing -- that he that would entertain that he that would entertain y gy gkindly or treat with hospitality Himself, His disciples, a prophet, kindly or treat with hospitality Himself, His disciples, a prophet, or a righteous man, would show that he approved their or a righteous man, would show that he approved their cha acte a d ho ld ot fail of o e e a dcha acte a d ho ld ot fail of o e e a dcharacter, and should not fail of proper rewardcharacter, and should not fail of proper reward

A Cup of Cold Water (10:40-42)

Little ones is a reference to their lowliness in spirit, their littleness Little ones is a reference to their lowliness in spirit, their littleness in the eyes of an undiscerning world, while high in Heaven's esteemin the eyes of an undiscerning world, while high in Heaven's esteem

Cup of water is the smallest serviceCup of water is the smallest service Good deeds are never lostGood deeds are never lost Note the six things here spoken of as belonging to discipleship ofNote the six things here spoken of as belonging to discipleship of Note the six things here spoken of as belonging to discipleship of Note the six things here spoken of as belonging to discipleship of

Christ: Christ: (1) Confessing or professing(1) Confessing or professing(2) Fi hti(2) Fi hti(2) Fighting(2) Fighting(3) Bearing his standard (the cross)(3) Bearing his standard (the cross)(4) Suffering(4) Suffering( ) g( ) g(5) Following(5) Following(6) Giving up life(6) Giving up life

Th ll h d i f h ldiTh ll h d i f h ldiThese are all the duties of the soldierThese are all the duties of the soldier

ConclusionConclusion

Describe the mission of the twelve when He sent themDescribe the mission of the twelve when He sent them

What were they to do if they were not received by a house or What were they to do if they were not received by a house or city?city?

Why did Jesus choose 12 apostles, rather than 10 or 14?Why did Jesus choose 12 apostles, rather than 10 or 14?

Why did Jesus tell the apostles to “go nowhere among the Why did Jesus tell the apostles to “go nowhere among the Gentiles”?Gentiles”?

What did Jesus acknowledge His teachings might do? What did Jesus acknowledge His teachings might do?


With whom were the apostles supposed to stay in each town?With whom were the apostles supposed to stay in each town?

What did Jesus mean by coming to bring a sword?What did Jesus mean by coming to bring a sword?

What did Jesus say regarding whom to fear?What did Jesus say regarding whom to fear? What did Jesus say regarding whom to fear?What did Jesus say regarding whom to fear?

Who is not worthy of Jesus? Who is not worthy of Jesus? yy

Who are the “little ones” in verse 42? Who are the “little ones” in verse 42?


For application:For application:

How much like your master are you when persecutions, How much like your master are you when persecutions, disagreements, and misunderstandings arise against you or what disagreements, and misunderstandings arise against you or what you stand for?you stand for?you stand for? you stand for?

What kinds of divisions has Jesus caused in your life? What What kinds of divisions has Jesus caused in your life? What would you do if Jesus asked you to turn away from or leave those would you do if Jesus asked you to turn away from or leave those you love most? you love most?

How has the paradox of verse 39 worked itself out in your life? If How has the paradox of verse 39 worked itself out in your life? If you do not know, what might ”losing your life” for Jesus’ sake you do not know, what might ”losing your life” for Jesus’ sake

f ?f ?mean for you? mean for you?

Documents

Bishop YoussefBishop Youssef · "The Limited Commission“ (5"The Limited Commission“ (5- -42)42) ... (Mt 9:37- -38),38), Jesus selected twelve disciples This account of sending