Matthew - Kingdom Rejected

In today's study from Matthew 11:20-30, we see a change in the tone of our Lord as the message of the kingdom is being rejected.

Message Changing

v.20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

From this point forward, Jesus’ message begins to change because the Kingdom is being rejected. The kingdom had been preached by John, the apostles and the Lord Himself, but they still refused to accept it.

Now Comes Judgment

vv.21-24 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.  (22)  But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.  (23)  And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.  (24)  But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

Now He begins to predict judgment! Of course, the final rejection was after the Triumphal Entry, the Cleansing of the Temple and the Cursing of the Fig Tree (Matthew 21:1-20). This event was followed by his trial and subsequent crucifixion.

The Kingdom Hidden

v.25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Now, our Lord begins to shift his attention from the rebellious to the faithful. The expression “thou hast hid these things from the wise and the prudent is tongue in cheek. It seems that only the simple can understand it! Truth be known, it was hidden because they had been blinded by the god of this world. Paul told the Corinthians in 2 Cor. 4:3-4 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” Mark records that

they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  14  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  15  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. (Mar 10:13-15)."

Delivered Unto Me

vv.26-27 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.  (27)  All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

Now Jesus is making it clear that to reject him is to reject the Father. Notice, “All things are delivered unto me…” What things? - Everything including salvation. The message is narrowing. Our Lord said in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Another Shift

vv.28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

There it is again! It’s a noticeable shift in the Lord’s teaching and message. The kingdom is being rejected and he is now beginning to focus on the ones who would receive it. Again, the message is narrowing in that he is no longer speaking to the nation but to the individual. He is in essence saying, “Come into my Kingdom where the burdens and yokes are still there but easier.” Barnes says that he was offering freedom to those who “groaned under the weight of their ceremonial laws and the traditions of the elders.”

Didn’t Get It

It’s amazing that the disciples did not get this shift in Jesus’ message. They would still argue who would be greatest in the Kingdom (Mar 9:34). They would still be expecting the Kingdom to immediately appear upon arrival in Jerusalem (Luk 19:11). Even after the resurrection, they didn’t get it (Acts 1:6).

Matthew - John the Baptist

In today's study from Matthew 11:12-19, we take a look at the ministry of John the Baptist.

Prophet & Messenger

vv.9-11 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.  (10)  For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.  (11)  Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

They went out to hear a prophet of God. Jesus goes on to say that he was more than just a prophet. He was the “messenger” that was foretold at the very close of the Old Testament Scriptures in Malachi 3:1 where it says,  “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.”

I also find it interesting that this verse is quoted of John the Baptist at least three times in the New Testament. However, never is the second part quoted (Mal. 3:1b). Why? - Because they were not seeking the Lord and rejected him so that he could not “come into his temple.” John the Baptist could have ushered in the Kingdom of Heaven had they responded appropriately. Instead, they killed the messenger and the King.

Final thought, I am amazed to see that Jesus said all of these great things about John just after he doubted him. 2 Tim 2:11-13 “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”

As a matter of fact, who went on to say of John that “he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he”, of course, referring to John. Why is the least in the Kingdom of Heaven greater than John the Baptist? He will be greater because he will know that he knows (unlike John) that the Lord Jesus is indeed to Messiah and there is no need to look for another! There will be no doubts as to who Jesus is because he will be ruling right before their eyes. Unfortunately, John did not get to see that.

Suffering Violence

v.12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

This could mean a couple of things. It could mean that the kingdom of heaven is being attacked by violent men. They were going to kill John the Baptist, they had already killed thousands of babies at the command of Herod in attempt to kill our Lord, eventually, they did kill Him, his apostles, and his followers for centuries to come. So, it could be that this verse is speaking of the violence that would abound as the kingdom emerged. Or, it could mean that the kingdom of heaven can only be taken by those who aggressively, enthusiastically press in and lay hold of it. Both of these meanings are appropriate.

Last Old Testament Prophet

v.13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

This verse is telling us that John marked the end of the Old Testament. Luke 16:16 “The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.” So, the Old Testament did not end with Malachi, but with John.

John Rejected

vv.14-15 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.  (15)   He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Again, if they had accepted John’s preaching of the kingdom of heaven, the Lord Jesus would have fulfilled the prophecy concerning the necessity of Elijah to come before the Lord sets up his throne in the earth. John’s mission was to minister in the capacity of Elijah as the transitional figure that would take the Jews from the Old Testament to their Messiah. Luk 1:17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS TO THE CHILDREN,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Mat 17:10-13 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"  11  Jesus answered and said to them, "Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things.  12  But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands."  13  Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.

But, since they didn’t accept the witness of John, Elijah must now come. Guess what? He will come in the book of Revelation, and guess what, they will reject him as well (Revelation 11:1-10)

Of course, God in His omniscience knew that John would be rejected. Maybe John knew as well. John 1:21 “And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." Could he have known?

Determined Rejection

vv.16-19 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,  (17)  And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.  (18)  For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.  (19)  The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

He is simply saying that they were determined to reject him regardless. He is saying that they are looking for any excuse. This reminds me of people who come to church and don’t want to be there.  So, they make excuses.  “the music’s too loud, too soft, the pastor’s too loud, too soft, too long, too mean, too direct, etc. This reminds me of a song written by the Kingsmen Quartet many years ago called, “Excuses”.

  

Excuses, excuses, you'll hear them every day.
And the Devil he'll supply them if the church you stay away.
When people come to know the Lord, the Devil always loses
So to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses.
In the summer it's too hot. And, in the winter, it's too cold.
In the springtime when the weather's just right, you find someplace else to go. Well, it's up to the mountains or down to the beach or to visit some old friend. Or, to just stay home and kinda relax and hope that some of the kinfolks will start dropping in.

Well, the church benches are too hard. And, that choir sings way too loud. Boy, you know how nervous you get when you're sitting in a great big crowd. The doctor told you, "Now, you better watch them crowds. They'll set you back." But, you go to that old ball game because you say "it helps you to relax." Well, a headache Sunday morning and a backache Sunday night. But by worktime Monday morning, you're feeling quite alright. While one of the children has a cold, "Pneumonia, do you suppose?" Why the whole family had to stay home, just to blow that poor kid's nose.

Excuses, excuses, you'll hear them every day.
And the Devil he'll supply them if the church you stay away.
When people come to know the Lord, the Devil always loses
So to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses.

Well, the preacher he's too young. And, maybe he's too old. The sermons they're not hard enough. And, maybe they're too bold. His voice is much too quiet-like. Sometimes he gets too loud. He needs to have more dignity. Or, else he's way too proud.

Well, the sermons they're too long. And, maybe they're too short.
He ought to preach the word with dignity instead of "stomp and snort." Well, that preacher we've got must be "the world's most stuck up man." Well, one of the lady's told me the other day, "Well, he didn't even shake my hand."

Matthew - Rewards and Promises

In today's study from Matthew 10:40-11:11, our Lord wraps up his commissioning of the Twelve by telling them their reward for taking the message of the kingdom, the reward of those who received their message, and his response to John the Baptist about him truly being the one that was promised to come.

Receiving the Lord Jesus

v.40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Now Jesus promises them that whoever receives them, it was the equivalent of receiving Him. In other words, anyone that receives a disciple of the Lord receives the Lord Himself.

Promise for Those Who Receive Them

vv.41-42 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.  (42)  And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

There are three rewards that are mentioned for those who received one of the Lord’s disciples.

1. Prophet’s Reward

The Shunammite in 2 Kings 4:8-17 cared for the prophet Elijah and was rewarded with a baby. The Widow in 1 Kings 17:8-16 helped Elijah and her life was saved from starvation.

2. Righteous Man’s Reward

In 2 Sam. 17:27-29, Barzilai received David in exile and was rewarded with the offer to live with him for the rest of his life (2 Sam 19:33). Rahab received righteous men and survived the fall of Jericho.

3. Disciples Reward

This reward is for those who took care of the disciples (cf. Mat 25:34-40).

Chapter 11

John the Baptist

vv.1-3 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. (2) Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, (3) And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

We know that John had been imprisoned by Herod (Matt. 14:1-5).

Doubting

Now, he is doubting if it was all worth it. He had grave concerns as to whether the Lord Jesus was who he believed He was. That’s hard to believe because he was the one who had introduced the Lord Jesus and baptized Him. But, after a little time in prison, John began to doubt whether Jesus was really the Messiah. So, he sent two of his disciples to make sure.

Doubts Dispelled

vv.4-5 Jesus answered and said unto them,  Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: (5) The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

To dispel John’s doubts, Jesus sent word back pointing to the miracles as proof of who he actually was. He did this by referring to Old Testament Scriptures that he knew John also knew.

Isa 35:5-6 “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. (6) Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert.”

I find it interesting that Jesus didn’t just say, “Trust me”, instead he pointed to the Scriptures. We too need to go to the Scriptures like the Bereans did in Act 17:11 where it is said of them Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Offended

v.6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Notice that the Lord encouraged John to not be offended because of Him. Why would John have been offended at Him? The word “offended” literally means “displeased”. It would have been very easy for John to have said, “Hey, if you can heal the blind, why can’t you get me out of jail!” We too get offended at the Lord because he does not do what we expect as well.

The Lord’s Questions

v.7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

Now Jesus asks the multitude a question, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see; a reed shaken in the wind? Now, bear in mind, that this is a rhetorical question. Jesus often use this as a means of soliciting a response. He was asking the questions to get them to think!

The answer was obviously that they went out to hear his powerful preaching. They didn’t go out to hear a “reed shaking in the wind” instead they went out to see the “wind that was shaking the reed!” John’s preaching was very pointed a powerful.

In the house of John Knox, in Edinburgh, there is a sentence of his hung upon the walls, which speaks so well of the steady strength of that hero's life, and reveals also the source where he got his strength. "From Isaiah, Jeremiah, and other inspired writers, I have learned to call a spade a spade, and a fig a fig." This is why King Herod and his new wife had an issue with him. So, much so that she asked for his head on a platter. He spoke the truth. So, too, we need to be people that speak the truth.

Sadly, we live in a culture that so afraid of the truth that they have redefined it to mean anything that they want it to. That’s garbage. Jesus said that he was the way, the truth, and the life. One of the biggest schemes that he Devil has perpetrated on modern society is the denial of absolute truth.

I had a young college kid tell me one time that he didn’t believe there was such a thing as absolute truth anymore. I asked him if he was absolutely sure of that!

Soft Raiment

v.8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

Jesus asks another question, “Did you go out to see a man in soft clothing?” Barnes says that “the kind of raiment here denoted was the light, thin clothing worn by effeminate persons.  The kind of clothing that was emblematic of riches, splendor, effeminacy, feebleness of character.” No.  Jesus is saying that they knew full well who they were going out to see. John was man! He was all man. He wore camel’s hair and gnawed on grasshoppers. He was telling them that they did not go out to hear a “wuss” in the wilderness, but a man who spoke truth.

Prophet & Messenger

vv.9-11 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.  (10)  For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.  (11)  Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

They went out to hear a prophet of God. Jesus goes on to say that he was more than just a prophet. He was the “messenger” that was foretold at the very close of the Old Testament Scriptures in Malachi 3:1 where it says,  “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.”

I also find it interesting that this verse is quoted of John the Baptist at least three times in the New Testament. However, never is the second part quoted (Mal. 3:1b). Why?  - Because they were not seeking the Lord and rejected him so that he could not “come into his temple.” John the Baptist could have ushered in the Kingdom of Heaven had they responded appropriately. Instead, they killed the messenger and the King.

Matthew - Division Will Come

In today's study from Matthew 10:34-39, our Lord continues to encourage the disciples that they were to take up their crosses because theirs would be a message that will cause division and come at a personal cost.

Christ Brings Division

vv.34-37 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.  (35)  For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.  (36)  And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.  (37)   He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

This quote came from the Old Testament. Mic 7:6 “For son dishonors father, Daughter rises against her mother, Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; A man's enemies are the men of his own household.” This verse does not mean that Jesus purposely came to bring about discord and contention, but that the message of the gospel would cause it. Jesus told the Jews in Mat 10:35  For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. The message that Jesus brought was divisive.

It still is. You can talk about Buddha, Allah, or anyone else, but say the name of Jesus and watch them coil up. Why do you think? Because Jesus, unlike the others, declared that he was the way, the truth, and the life, and no one gets to the Father but through him! When you mention the name “Jesus”, you have drawn a proverbial line in the sand that the world hates.

Personally, my greatest fear is not the world. Wolves are wolves. It is the ones wearing the sheep skin that bother me. Jesus warned us in Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. In my opinion, the world is not the biggest enemy of the church, it is the enemy within. Paul told the church in Acts, For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  30  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears (Acts 20:29-31).

No doubt, sometimes they obvious like John mentioned in 1Jn 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. Unfortunately, though many times they are not. My encouragement to you is simple, it you are involved in a church that is not teaching the Bible, get out now! If a man will twist the Scriptures in one place, he will twist them in another place. Get out!

Take Up the Cross

vv.38-39 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.  (39)   He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Bear in mind, that our Lord is still sending them out to preach the gospel fo the Kingdom. He is still asking them to count the cost. He would become the perfect example of this in his own death. Jesus could have saved Himself from the cross anytime that He wanted to. However, He knew the cross was the only way to bring salvation to you and me. Paul said in Php 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

In the same way, the disciples needed to understand that their cross was just as necessary. Mat 20:22-23 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.  23  And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

Christian Application

So, we too according to Gal 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” The bottom line is that the Christian life is a life of daily dying to oneself.

Matthew - Counting the Cost

In today's study from Matthew 10:24-33, our Lord commissions his disciples to take the Gospel of the Kingdom throughout Israel but warns them to be prepared to pay the cost.

The Cost

vv.24-31 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.  (25)  It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?  (26)  Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.  (27)  What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.  (28)  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  (29)  Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.  (30)  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  (31)  Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

In these verses we see what it was to cost them. He simply tells them that they same way he was treated; they would be treated. In the end, it happened exactly that way in that it cost all of them their lives with the exception of John. Andrew was crucified.  Bartholomew was beaten and then crucified.  James, the son of Alphaeus was stoned to death.  James, the son of Zebedee was beheaded.  Judas (not Iscariot) was stoned to death.  Matthew was speared to death.  Peter was crucified upside down.  Philip was crucified.  Simon was crucified.  Thomas was speared to death.  Matthias was stoned to death. 

Paul said the same thing in 2Co 6:4-10; and lest we think that Paul was all talk and not walk, take a look at 2Co 11:24-28.

The Reward

vv.32-33 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.  (33)  But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

In these verses we see what they were going to get in return: they will be confessed before the Father which is in heaven. By the way, these verses have absolutely nothing to do with altar calls. Jesus is talking about the act of daily walking the walk and talking the talk. Sadly many Christians today do not walk the talk. They are much better at talking than walking.

Listen to me, if you are afraid to air the controversial truths of God’s Word to a dying world, you either need to get saved, or repent for being a coward.

Our Lord never had a problem with purposefully thinning out the crowd.

Matthew - Words of Caution

In today's study from Matthew 10:11-23, our Lord tells His disciples, a word of caution and encouragement as He sends them out to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom.

Don’t Waste Your Time

vv.11-15 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.  (12)  And when ye come into an house, salute it.  (13)  And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.  (14)  And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.  (15)  Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

They were not to waste time on people who rejected their message. Some of the apostles did just that (cf. Acts 13:51, 18:6).

Word of Caution

v.16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

This is a word of caution. They were to keep their eyes and ears open. They were to be cautious because they were heading out completely penniless and would need to depend upon the graciousness of others.

Strength and Guidance

vv.17-20 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;  (18)  And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.  (19)  But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.  (20)  For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

This is not justification for poor study and preparation but a promise for strength and guidance when that time comes. Spurgeon used to say, “A call to ministry is a call to prepare.” We do our part and trust Jesus to do His part. Paul told Timothy in 2 Tim 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Jesus said in John 14:26 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

Persecution

vv.21-23 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.  (22)  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.  (23)  But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

The extent of their persecution would be not only from their families, but from city to city. Jesus knew that their preaching was going to be divisive.

Enduring to the End

Notice, “he that endureth to the end shall be saved” in v.22.

Many have looked at this as a verse to prove that you can lose your salvation. However, this verse has nothing to do with the issue of salvation. The gospel had even been preached yet!  There was no church! It was a word of encouragement to those who would most likely pay the ultimate sacrifice for their obedience.

The Son of Man’s Return

Notice, “Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come” in v.23.

This statement has one of two meanings. Either, the Lord really meant that He would return to this earth before his disciples made it through all of the cities of Israel. That would make him a liar. Or it means that He will be bringing judgment against them before they were able to make it to every city in Israel. This judgment came in 70 A.D. at the hands of Titus.

Matthew - The Calling of the Twelve

In today's study from Matthew 10:5-10, we see the calling of the twelve apostles, their mission, method, and ministry.

The Kingdom of Heaven

vv.1-4 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (2) Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; (3) Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; (4) Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Here we see the selection of the twelve. The word “apostle” means “one sent forth.” Jesus was also called an apostle (Heb 3:1).

Their Mission

vv.5-7 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying,  Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:  (6)  But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  (7)  And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Notice that their initial ministry was to the House of Israel only. Why? – Because it was the gospel of the Kingdom that was still being preached. Most will say that at Pentecost they were baptized by the Holy Spirit for a new purpose: to preach salvation to both the Jew and the Gentile (Acts 1:8).

However, others will contend that only the Apostle Paul was sent to the gentiles. This is called Mid-Acts Dispensationalism. They would contend that the original twelve only ministered to the House of Israel and that only the Pauline epistles were written to the church. E.g., the Gospels, some of Acts, and Hebrews through Revelation are to the Jew, and only the later part of Acts and Paul’s letters were written to the Church.

Their Method

v.8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

They were given “sign gifts” and powers which served as their credentials such as the shadow of Peter in Acts 5:15-16 and Paul’s handkerchief in Acts 19:11-12.

Ministry of Faith

vv.9-10 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,  (10)  Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Theirs was to be a ministry of faith. They had to go out completely trusting in the Lord to provide for their every need. It wasn’t until later that Paul declared that the pastor should live “of the gospel.” Paul said in 1Ti 5:17-18 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.  For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.”

I’m amazed at how many people will pay a plumber to fix their pipes, a mechanic to fix their car, a doctor to fix their cold, a dentist to fix their teeth, but will pay nothing for a pastor to fix their lostness and carnality. I’m afraid that too many churches are not doing the right thing when it comes to their pastors. Listen to what Paul said in 1Co 9:1-12, “Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?  2  If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.  3  Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,  4  Have we not power to eat and to drink?  5  Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?  6  Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?  7  Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?  8  Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?  9  For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?  10  Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.  11  If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?  12  If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.”