Bible Teachings:

Matthew 10 - Jesus Sends out the Twelve

Welcome Brothers and Sisters to Bible Teachings, starting a new week with more on Matthew. Before starting this chapter, I do asked if there is anything in the Bible you want answer give your comments or reviews so that those particular sections can be explained in detail. Many parts of the Bible will be explored even if they are done more then twice in a row for greater understanding from our Lord Jesus. Another thing is when everyone make comments on reviews, it isn't because I want to boast, rather give honest answers and responds to what you have said, need advise or reply in honesty. I know that this maybe hard or simply you remain anonymous for your own reasons, but just know that here you can be open and you won't be judge about who you are and what your thoughts are on anything related to the Bible, God, Christ Jesus, Christians, Saints, Believers and more.

For this lesson we have Matthew 10 where Jesus is instructing the Disciples to go into Israel to preach the gospel of the Good news. Yet here we are also told about the names of the Disciples, and the instruction of how Christ gave his authority over to them of drive out impure spirits and heal all the sick even their diseases. Through Matthew 10: 5-42 are specific instruction of how they should live by and what commands Jesus wants them to follow. These instruction are very specific commands they need to follow, while the Disciples of Jesus didn't always understand or know what Christ Jesus meant, he knew they needed to be taught before his time came. Back then you had to memorize everything by consistent study and taught what you are to learn. Jesus knew this and made sure they learn everything he taught them before they are to do his work.

The names of his disciples along with each paired in twos for their instructions, Simon(Renamed to Peter) and his brother Andrew, James son of Zebedee and his brother John(There were many named John with different titles), Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the Tax Collector, James son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot(The one who will betray Jesus). Each of them with their partner are to travel to locations as Jesus command, given authority for this task.

In Verses 5-6, Jesus instructs them to go towards Israel not Gentiles. At the time, Jesus is trying to give the goods news towards Israel as God's chosen nation. Yet through times and their choice of disobedience, they now live like the gentiles that God found displeasing. Now with the good news spread to all the world, all of us can be saved and God will hear from your humble prayer, and willfulness to follow Christ our Lord and savior.

Then from Verses 7-8, they are instructed to give the good news of "The Kingdom of Heaven has come near" as well as healing the sick. raise the dead, cleanse those of leprosy, drive out demons. They have been freely received from Jesus to freely give. Now understand the reason they would be able is because they are leaning towards him, as only Jesus could do these miracles. Yet when they become apostles by the Holy spirit, they would have power to preform these miracles in Jesus name. Now I wouldn't say all of us can do it, cause right now there is a different plan for each and everyone of us. Yet what that plan implies you must seek God for those answers.

Next on Verses 9-10, They are told about not taking any gold, silver or cooper. This meant no money for when they are offered or take money for themselves. Even more they are not to have bags for their journey or any clothes of shirt, sandal, or staff, for the worker is worth his keep. Now in today society for those in rich lands, countries or nations, many of us would be fortunate enough to have them. Yet for those that don't, they already have tough time with their situations or circumstance.

On Verses 11-15, Jesus then told about how when going for a place to stay, Jesus instructs them about how they greet, when your welcome in their own or which home they shouldn't stay with them. This is because our own house can represent our life style and who we are as person or people. For Verses 11-13, when talking about people of their country or nation, we tend to understand what type of people we interact or know about. Yet this is stereotype ideal can be misguided at times, but when it came to homes we stay as single, couple or family. Jesus is speaking about the person's character if they are of God's or this world. This is implied by Jesus as he mentions of their house is worthy to stay, meaning that some homes despite a good person, couple or family may not be godly in nature or people living there is of this world. When I world I do mean of the devil, cause this world is own by the devil, and as long as sin is around, we can only hope for our heavenly home after this life. In Verses 14-15 Jesus even says about how sometimes if you aren't welcome or listen, then you are to dust your feet and leave the home/town. Then added that the judgement on Sodom and Gomorrah.

Quick note that when mentioning of Sodom and Gomorrah, Jesus used this as example of how wicked a city it used to lived until the Lord destroyed it leaving nothing behind. When Jesus says this about towns rejecting the good news and judgement day, it can be implied that rejecting Jesus is much worse then what Sodom and Gomorrah. Now to set things straight all sins are equally wrong, yet from God's perspective we can understand that God hates certain sins more then others. This can also implied by how some will reject Jesus and they in turn rejected God the father. Because both Christ Jesus and Lord Almighty are one of the same God, yet are two separate persons at the same time.

When looking in Verses 16-20, their command instructions are warning of how God see us as sheep and he is our Shepherd. Yet when the time is right, some of us become Shepherds under his authority. The Pastors, Teachers and Preachers we know and understand are example of people living in faith by God. The first parts of verses 16-17 describes about how they are sent into town with wolves and snakes, yet there are some sheep and doves. While the animals are more so example, the point is there were those that need to hear the good news and those that would hate them. Verses 18-20 are warning about how there will be governors, kings and gentiles as witness. But Jesus then says, they are not to worry or fear of them. And tells when the father will be in them speaking instead of their own words. Saying that when the Holy Spirit takes us, it will fill our words instead of us trying to say them. The same is said when we pray and have not the words or thoughts, the Holy Spirit will provide the words and prayer needed for our sakes.

From Verses 21-23, are Instructions about how Jesus explained there will be betrayal, brother against brother, father to child, and children rebelling against their parents. This gives insight about how when we turn to God, there will be challenges and struggles of those who will hate you for this and will bring you back to your old self as much as possible. This details shows that even when we live by Faith and are given good things, bad times will come and storms will happen. Christ Jesus also encourage them to flee if they persecuted them. That doesn't mean we should run all the time, but if your familiar with Paul or have heard of him. In the Bible you hear of Paul's missionary journey around many places, and in the Bible you can read how his struggles and trials he has faced. Even though he should have died a few times, God still had a plan for him and only when the time is right does God allow him to pass on.

Here in Verses 24-25, Jesus explains about the relationship of students and teachers, master and servants. How while we shouldn't be above teachers or masters, Jesus states "It's good to be like their teachers and like their masters". While this can be complicated, the main point is how while the teachers and masters before us had lived a god fulfilled life, then we are to live by those said teachers and masters.

Jesus then reminds his Disciples in Verses 26-31, about how we should take heed of what is spoken or how nothing is hidden from God. We also are to be not be afraid of anyone for what they do is only destroying the body, only fear for who can destroy the soul, saying if we fear men, the God will have our souls destroyed in hell. Verses 29-31 are reminders once more of how Sparrows lived and are provided by God everyday until they die as planned.

Among Matthew chapter 10 Verses 32-33, is very specific that as says "Whoever acknowledge me before others, I will also acknowledge before my heavenly father. But whoever disown me before others, I will disown before my heavenly father." Very serious words from Christ Jesus, as he means how when we accept Christ for who he is and what he has done for us, he will welcome us in his fathers place. The reverse is the same as when we deny/reject Christ Jesus, he will also reject/deny us from our Heavenly father. Something all of us should considered as believers and unbelievers.

What came next is most surprising in Verses 34-42, here Jesus declares how he did not came to bring peace, instead a sword among us. What the next verses are implying that while we are to live in peace with others and live holiness, we are also to divide those who are with God and against God. This means that when someone in the family, friends or spouse denies Jesus and hates you for having faith in God, it's the sword that's creating a divided among us. This divided can be seen not in the world we see through sight, but by the unseen world through spirit. Take very great heed of this and pray for understanding of Matthew chapter 10, for there is much that can be learned and understand. Giving a clear guidance about what is to come and how people of unbelief will respond to you towards your faith.

This is lots to command the disciples, but at the same time are much simple then when we try to comprehend. In order to understand God's commands for us, we also must allow God to change us and see things his way. This is difficult as many of us don't want to be told how to live or what we should do and don't. Many times when we take things our own way, we tend to know less of God and aren't willing to follow his ways.