Announce And Give

Announce and Give

Matthew 10:1-8, NLT

Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. 2Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James’s brother), 3Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, 4Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). 5Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, 6but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. 7Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!”

Setting the Scene

Many people followed and listened to Jesus, but the twelve listed here composed the inner circle and received authority and the most intense training. They had authority over the forces of evil, as well as the ability to speak the word to have God’s power cast out evil spirits. They also had power “to heal every kind of disease and illness.” Verse 1 says they are “disciples,” but verses 2 and 5 call them “apostles,” meaning “sent ones.” The fact that Jesus limited their ministry “to the people of Israel” doesn’t mean he opposed evangelizing Gentiles and Samaritans. In fact, Jesus had already ministered to both groups (Matthew 8:28-34; John 4). But the message was to go to “the Jew first” (Romans 1:16, NLT). Another factor may be that the disciples weren’t ready to branch out beyond their own people. Eventually Jesus would commission them to go to “all the nations” (Matthew 28:19, NLT).

Jesus gave the apostles two tasks: They were to “announce” and to “give.” As Jesus’ representatives, they were to spread his message, announcing that “the Kingdom of Heaven is near,” letting everyone know that the Messiah had come. Jesus also told them to “give as freely” as they had received, healing the sick, raising the dead, curing those with leprosy, and casting out demons. These four miracles were exactly the ones Jesus had done and would demonstrate that the disciples had Jesus’ power.

Jesus had quite a diverse collection of disciples, especially the Twelve—fishermen, tax collector, zealot, and so on. Yet he entrusted his message and mission to them. Through this small band, the word would go forth, the Kingdom of Heaven would be introduced, and the world would be changed. Imagine what those men must have thought as Jesus gave his final instructions, especially considering their specific tasks. This was a significant and intimidating assignment, but Jesus had confidence in the apostles as he sent them out.

Getting Personal

What does the fact that you are a “disciple” of Christ mean to you?

When have you felt commissioned or assigned by God to a specific mission? In what ways did God prepare and empower you for that task?

Jesus told the apostles to announce a specific message of hope and salvation. He also told them to act with mercy. And the principle guiding their actions should be, “Give as freely as you have received.” The disciples had received salvation and the Kingdom without cost; they were to give their time under the same principle. Because God has showered us with his blessings, we can give generously to others of our time, love, and possessions.

What can you do to give more “freely” of what you have received from God?

Talking to God

If you feel anxious about what God may be asking of you, confess your worries and intimidation to him. Ask God for the power of his Spirit to enable you to handle any task or relationship he asks of you.