The Life of Christ in the Synoptic Gospels
MISSION OF THE TWELVE
The Life of Christ in the Synoptic Gospels
MISSION OF THE TWELVE
Lesson Plan:
1. The Great Need (Matt. 9:35-38; 10:1)
2. The Workers (Matt. 10:2-4)
3. The Instructions (Matt. 10:5-15)
4. The Reward (Matt. 10:40-42)
Lesson Setting:
Time: Early in 29 A.D., just before our next lesson. A little more than a year before the death of
Jesus.
Place: Throughout Galilee
Research Thoughts: The harvest is plenteous. How the disciples could answer their own prayer for more laborers. Characteristics of the twelve. Christ's instructions to His workers.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:35-38; 10:1
1. The Great Need
The work to be done and Jesus’ example of the way to do it: "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages" (v 35) of Galilee. It was probably on this tour that the visit to Nazareth described in our previous lesson took place. (a) "Teaching in their synagogues." He stated and explained the facts and truths of the Gospel. He reasoned. He argued. He illustrated. He impressed the truths on their minds and hearts. He removed difficulties. He was a Teacher. (b) "Preaching," proclaiming heralding, urging men to accept "the Gospel," the good news, "of the kingdom." He presented motives, He persuaded. He was an Evangelist. (c) "Healing every sickness." Jesus showed the blessed nature of the Gospel by giving health and comfort and new life; by relieving men from every form of evil which sin has brought upon men; and thus proving His mission, and the love of the Father who sent Him; and by making all His healings a means to spiritual and holy life.
Pity and compassion. "He was moved with compassion" (v 36). ‘Compassion’ like ‘sympathy’ means suffering with another’s suffering, in such a way that another’s pain and sorrow is felt by us so deeply that we want to provide relief. For ...
v 36 ... "they fainted," ‘were mangled,’ applied to sheep fleeced and torn by wild beasts. So these people were mangled by disease and by sin as by wild beasts, or were exhausted by long aimless wandering, not knowing where the fold and shepherd were, with food, shelter, care and home.
v 36 ... "Scattered abroad," as sheep having no shepherd. Why? Because those who took the place of shepherd cared for themselves and not for the sheep. Is it possible for elders (‘shepherds’) of the body of Christ today to be self-serving, i.e., more concerned for themselves; securing and maintaining their position rather than caring for the sheep? "He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some shepherds [poimenas, pastors] and teachers" (Eph. 4:11). God knew that just as sheep in a pasture need shepherds, so He knew that a spiritual flock (all Christians, young and old) need unselfish, dedicated shepherds (elders) to nourish them, beginning with "pure spiritual milk" that "by it they may grow toward salvation" (1 Pet. 2:2). However, back in Ezekiel's day they fed "themselves," and received God's curse: "Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the sheep?" (34:2).
Training disciples to do the needed work. "The harvest truly is plenteous" (v 37). Jesus changes His figure of speech. For it more truly expressed the idea of the need of a multitude of laborers. It is a harvest; not a vast field of weeds but of ripe grain. Uncounted multitudes of men are only waiting for the good news to accept it with instant eagerness. This is (or should be) the great impelling thought behind all true mission-work, both domestic and foreign.
v 37 ... "But the labourers are few," Jesus, twelve apostles, and those among the believers who were doing more or less to spread the Good News, in a world full of people.
Prayer by the disciples for more laborers: "Pray ye therefore" (v 38). You who are in training for the work, you who are to be laborers in the harvest, and realize the greatness of the need and the difficulty of the work. It is instructive to note that the laborers themselves, and those who ought to be laborers, were the ones instructed to pray for more laborers. (a) They felt the need and would, therefore, pray with heart and soul. (b) The prayer was an inspiration to enter more heartily into the work themselves. (b) No one has greater need of praying, of constant communion with God, than those who would gather in His harvest.
v 38 ... "That he will send forth labourers into his harvest." (a) God could send these forth without our prayers. But He wants us to be laborers with Him as well as for Him. (b) There are two ways by which laborers may be increased; one by increasing the numbers, the other by increasing the power, quality, and endowments of each laborer. (c) He gave them power (Matt. 10:1) or authority. The word has both meanings. This was an essential element for Gospel laborers. When the disciples received the Holy Spirit, a year and a half later, then they were endowed with the fullness of the only power by which they could accomplish what they did. (d) It is a great privilege to be a worker with God. Not only is it the best way of reaching men, but it is best for the workers.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:2-4
2. The Workers
The twelve apostles "The names of the twelve apostles" (v 2) whom He had selected some months before, i.e., midsummer A.D. 28, just before the Sermon on the Mount. They had been under His training and teaching continually since then. Now they were to enter a higher grade in the Lord’s training school, by putting in practice under His supervision what they had been taught. Apostle means ‘one sent forth’ on a mission, ‘a messenger.’ Our word missionary, derived from the Latin, likewise signifies ‘one sent.’ Disciple (v 1) means a learner, one who goes to school under a teacher; as here under Christ, the great Teacher. It was needful that these twelve should be both apostles and disciples. Consider the statement, “Every Christian should have the spirit of both learner and missionary.”
Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:5-15
3. The Instructions
The basic principles underlying these instructions apply not merely to that age, but to all ages; not only to the apostles but to preachers and missionaries, as well as congregations of the body of Christ and individual disciples, each according to their circumstances.
First: Verses 5, 6 – They were to begin among their own people. This does not mean that they never were to go to the Gentiles. But here in Galilee was the best starting point. For: (a) The Jewish people had a long history of training in the religion of the true God. (b) They had the promises of the new kingdom, and were expecting it. (c) The apostles were acquainted with the people, and as poor men, could sustain themselves while working. (d) The easiest and best way to reach the Gentiles was to have a nucleus of disciples among the Jews, a central station or power house. This was Paul’s habit in his missionary work. Herein lies the power of the body of Christ in any given location.
Second: Verses 7, 8 – Their method was to preach, teach, and show in visible and concrete forms the blessings which follow the Gospel, as symbols and illustrations, and means of spiritual blessings. "Freely ye have received, freely give" (v 8). They had received from Christ His teachings, His Gospel, the great truths and their blessings, His example, and power to work, and an experience of the fruits of the Gospel. All this and more had been given them in rich abundance, more freely than they could realize at first. Therefore "freely give," without money and without price and without gain, out of hearts filled with the spirit of the Gospel. To take money for their miracles would ruin their work among the people; would teach selfishness instead of love, and cause them to be regarded as mere exorcists, instead of preachers of free salvation, with divine credentials. Moreover, only as we have received God’s salvation freely, as a free gift, shall we be able to give freely, going forth preaching a large, free, unearned pardon and new life. All best work of every kind is done for the work’s sake, and not for money.
Third: Verse 10 – They were to go as they were, in their ordinary dress, as common travelers, and not in peculiar prophet garb, or with any kind of ostentation, but trusting God for necessary support, and depending on the people whom they served for their necessary support. "Neither shoes" (v 10). They were to wear their usual sandals which were absolutely necessary, but not the soft shoes of brilliant colors (as in modern Palestine) which would indicate luxury or pride. Nor yet staves. Nothing extra beyond what they daily used. Probably in their short journeys with Christ they did not need any staff for walking or for defense. They were to go undefended.
Fourth: Verse 10, cont. – They were to be supported by the people. For they must have the necessities of life, and it would ruin their cause to preach or work miracles for pay. "For the workman is worthy of his meat" (v 10), i.e., his living. The apostles were not to be regarded as beggars, for they earned their support; the disciples were to give freely, but those whom they helped were also to give freely. This is exactly in accord with the principles on which ministers and missionaries receive their support, as well as teachers and doctors. They do not work for pay. But their supporters’ business is to give them a comfortable support in order that they may give themselves wholly to their work. This support should be given freely and abundantly, so that they shall not be perplexed about their living, or their families. They should have the best means and best aids for doing their work.
Fifth: Verses 11-14 – In each city or town they entered to preach and heal, they were to "enquire" (v 11) (R.V. ‘search out’) make a business of finding out who in it is worthy (v 13), a man respected in the community, with an open mind; like Simeon, “just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel.” He must at least be “good and honest soil” for planting the Gospel, though he might be a publican like Matthew and Zaccheus, or a Roman Centurion like Cornelius, at Cesarea, and the one in Capernaum. "And there abide" (v 11). Luke says, “Go not from house to house,” in the instructions to the seventy. Several reasons for this course can here be considered: (a) They needed to leave in each city a living nucleus of Gospel converts; a central point for spreading the Gospel. (b) Therefore, they needed to concentrate their efforts on one household, focusing upon it their example, their personal influence, their knowledge of Jesus’ teachings and deed, and the inspiration of their love, zeal and hopes. (c) Their host must be worthy so that no prejudice might be created against their mission. (d) They must not waste time visiting around, or be discourteous to those who willing to be the first in their community to open up their homes. v 12 ... "And when ye come into an house, salute it," i.e., saying ‘Peace be to this house’ (Lk. 10:5). "And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it" (v 13). Their very presence would be a benediction and blessing to all who were of open heart. To be with some people is a liberal education. Their presence in the home is like the ark of the Lord in the house of Obed- edom. And more than this they were to “heal the sick that are therein” (Lk. 10:9) to express the reality of the ‘peace’ they brought. "But if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you" (v 13). It will be as if the words had not been spoken. Such peace cannot come to such a home. You cannot reward the unworthy with the blessings of the worthy. The blessing of the presence of an apostle could not be received unless an apostle dwelled with a family. The reflex influence of Christian effort is precious, whatever its direct results may be. "Shake off the dust of your feet" (v 14). A symbolic act, indicating that they would not keep a particle of the ruin which must come upon such ungodly people, nor of their sin. It was not in anger but in warning, and their last words were to be, “Howbeit know this that the kingdom of God is come nigh” (Lk. 10:11).
v 15 ... "It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom," etc. Because those wicked cities sinned against much less light, and rejected smaller and more dimly seen opportunities (For Sodom, see Gen.18:20-32; 19:24-28). When we read of the destruction of Jerusalem forty years later, with its unutterable horrors and “great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, nor ever shall be,” we understand the meaning of this warning to the Jewish towns. And it is but a visible type of what will befall individuals; and yet over all Jesus weeps as He did over Jerusalem, desiring earnestly that they should repent and escape.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:40-42
4. The Reward
Although not listed under the “Lesson Text” of our lesson, nevertheless, these verses are a blessed part of it and should be considered in order to enforce the lesson.
First: Verse 40 – "He that receiveth you, receiveth me." For the disciple preaching, teaching, and working in the name of Jesus, represents Jesus and the Father. We cannot reach Jesus directly, nor do anything for Him, but we can reach His representatives, and through them we can express our gratitude to God, if we do it for His sake. The reward will be of the same kind as the prophet’s or the righteous man’s. That reward is a perfect character (Col. 1:22); an entrance into the kingdom, the favor of God, larger usefulness, fuller joys, deeper peace, and a home with God forever. He shall receive this reward because it proves that he has the same character, however obscure or unknown he may be.
Second: Verse 42 – Someone might be thinking, “I don’t have much to offer in service to Jesus.” Our Lord was aware of those with limited talents for service and so He gave the example of simply giving a cup of cold water, which any little child can do. If that is done as an expression of love to Jesus, "he shall in no wise lose his reward." The reward shall be the same that would be given for the same service to the Master Himself, i.e., His loving approval, the privilege of aiding His cause, a larger heart.
