Matthew 10:5-15 NASB
⁵These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: “Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; ⁶but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
⁷And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ ⁸Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.
⁹Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, ¹⁰or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.
¹¹And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city.
¹²As you enter the house, give it your greeting. ¹³If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.
¹⁴Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. ¹⁵Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
Study
The Gentiles must not have the gospel brought them, till the Jews have refused it.
This restraint on the apostles was only in their first mission.
Wherever they went they must proclaim, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
They preached,
- To establish the faith;
- To proclaim the Kingdom,
- To animate the hope of heaven,
- To inspire the love of heavenly things,
- and to the contempt of the earthly things.
The Kingdom which is at hand, that men may prepare for it without delay.
Christ gave them power to work miracles for the confirming of their doctrine.
This is not necessary now that the kingdom of God is come.
It showed that the intent of the doctrine they preached, was:
▪︎ to heal sick souls,
▪︎ and to raise those that were dead in sin.
In proclaiming the gospel of free grace for the healing and saving of men’s souls, we must above all avoid the appearance of the spirit of an hireling.
They are directed what to do in strange towns and cities.
The servant of Christ is the ambassador of peace to whatever place he is sent.
His message is even to the vilest sinners, yet it behoves him to find out the best persons in every place.
It becomes us to pray heartily for all, and to conduct ourselves courteously to all.
They are directed how to act as to those that refused them.
The whole counsel of God must be declared, and those who will not attend to the gracious message, must be shown that their state is dangerous.
This should be seriously laid to heart by all that hear the gospel, lest their privileges only serve to increase their condemnation.
Question
- What is your part in the evangelizing work?
Prayer Suggestion
- Pray to God for wisdom in sharing the Gospel.
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