Matthew 10. As the kingdom ministry of Jesus expands, He recruits others to labor alongside Him. “He called to him his twelve disciples…” (10:1)

As we look at Jesus’ model for ministry, it’s fascinating to note the wide variety of people that He called to follow him and be laborers for the kingdom. His closest followers were very counter-cultural! The group was a mix of people who would have been enemies, thinking specifically of the tax collector who betrayed his own people and worked for Rome and the zealot who wanted to overthrow Rome. This group of disciples ranged widely in their educational background and their financial status, some were quite educated, others were distinctly blue collar with unstable incomes. Though they likely held opposite opinions on many topics, they were united in their calling to work alongside King Jesus in the ministry of the kingdom.

The disciples were called into ministry by Jesus and then He gave them authority to do this work. “… he gave them authority over unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction… Proclaim as you go ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand’. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast of demons.” (10:2,7-8). They have been called, and they have been equipped for ministry.

Undoubtedly this was a surreal moment for many of them. They had been sitting on the sidelines, cheering for Jesus as He did miraculous works and demonstrated the power of the kingdom. Then suddenly, Jesus turned and said essentially – I give you a portion of the power of God, go and do what I have been doing. That seemed crazy, exciting, and terrifying all at the same time!

The remainder of Matthew 10 is a great pep talk and commissioning for the disciples as they embrace laboring in the kingdom. If you underline the verbs in this chapter, they present an interesting picture: Shake the dust off your feet (10:14) and walk away from those who are not interested in your message. Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (10: 16), learn to judge correctly what response each situation calls for. Beware of men who will deliver you over to courts and flog you (10:19). Jesus warned his followers that they would be mistreated, hated, and even persecuted, much like He had been.

Jesus knew that the work of ministry would induce fear, and He offered encouragement to his disciples. “When they deliver you over to the courts, do not be anxious (10:19). Have no fear of them (10:26). Do not fear those who can kill the body (10:28). Fear Him who can destroy both body and soul (10:28).”  These words of Jesus remind us of the words of encouragement and strength that God spoke to other leaders in the Old Testament. Be strong and courageous! Do not fear or dread them for the Lord goes with you! I am with you. I will strengthen, help, and uphold you! (Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10).

For those who value Him above all else, Jesus promised rewards thought the way would not be easy (10:40-42).