Wednesday, April 30 – Matthew 10, 14 – Additional Reading: The Desire of Ages, Chapter 37, “The First Evangelists”

1. Where were the disciples instructed to go first? (Matthew 10:5–6)

2. Whom did Jesus say we should not fear? (Matthew 10:28)

3. What reward will the one who receives a prophet or a righteous person receive? (Matthew 10:41)

Matthew 10 focuses on the instructions Jesus gave the twelve disciples when He sent them out.

“The Twelve, who thus far had assisted Jesus (see DA 349) in His ministry, were now to be sent forth to labor alone. They had been officially appointed as disciples during the summer of a.d. 29 (see on ch. 5:1), probably not more than six months previously (see on ch. 9:36).

Peter, Andrew, James, and John had been called to full-time discipleship, probably in the late spring of a.d. 29 (see on Luke 5:1). Three of these—all except James—as well as Philip and Bartholomew, had been part-time disciples since the late autumn of a.d. 27 (see on John 1:35–45). All the Twelve had been with Jesus on His Second Galilean Tour, probably during the late summer or early autumn of a.d. 29 (see on Matt. 9:35; Luke 8:1), and had thus had opportunity to observe Christ’s methods, to listen to His teaching, and to profit by instructions He had given privately to His disciples from time to time.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Matthew 10:5)

To follow Jesus is to embrace a mission. A disciple not only enjoys the indispensable companionship of the Master but also embraces His mission. In due time, the Christian is sent. The mission of Jesus is the mission of the disciples.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18–19; Isaiah 61:1–3)

The Desire of Ages states:

“The disciples’ message was the same as that of John the Baptist and of Christ Himself: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” They were to enter into no controversy with the people as to whether Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah; but in His name they were to do the same works of mercy as He had done. He bade them, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”” (DA 350)

“Now that the Twelve were sent out by themselves they went two by two (see Mark 6:7; see on ch. 3:14), brother with brother and friend with friend (DA 350).” (SDA Bible Commentary, Matthew 10:5; see Mark 6:7)

Jesus warned that His followers could expect the same opposition He faced. They were not to expect comfort. Following Jesus could bring conflict, even within families. They were to be prepared for hardship, persecution, and possibly death.

“Those who bear witness for Christ among men are the ones for whom He can bear witness before the Father. Jesus is now our Witness, our Ambassador before the Father, as we are to be His witnesses and ambassadors before men.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Matthew 10:32)
John the Baptist preceded Jesus not only in ministry but also in death. Jesus’ words to His followers were first fulfilled in His brave forerunner. The enemy used Herod and Herodias’ wickedness to strike down the humble preacher.

When Jesus heard of John’s death, He withdrew to be alone in prayer. We do not know what He spoke with the Father, but we do know this: He who fed the multitudes with five loaves and two fish, healed the sick who touched His garment and walked on water did not, in His moment of trial, rescue His forerunner. He could have, but He did not. This is the unfathomable plan of God, which the disciple must trust.

John was not greater than his Master; the servant was not greater than his Lord. We trust that by losing his life, he truly gained it.

May God grant us, as disciples of the Master, the willingness to be sent. And amid the turmoil of battle, may we remain ready to trust in Jesus and confess our faith. May God fulfill His purpose in us according to His good will. Amen.

Have a richly blessed day.