Matthew 9:37-10:42
There is more in this section that one post can cover, however, we’ll scratch the surface and summarize this teaching of Jesus. Although there are transitions from one concept to another, I believe this is one narrative or one teaching.
That the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few is the ground for all the teaching that follows. Jesus immediately after summoned the disciples, and they are named. This is similar to the naming of families and genealogies in the Old Testament when the Lord called them to something new. Starting in Matthew 10:5, this is not the final sending out. Before Jesus would be crucified on the cross, the disciples would reassemble. Their task here was to preach the manifestation of Christ, and their task was specific.
Matthew 10:5-15 is later reversed when Jesus sent them out to reach Gentiles, and they were to carry extra supplies as well as arm themselves. However, Matthew 10:16-42 still applies to us today.
1. We are sheep in a land of wolves. Christians all over the world continue to face persecution. Christ teaches the disciples (and us) not to be anxious in those moments, for He will use these moments to spread His Word and bring glory to Himself. If nothing else, the judgment of the persecutors will be greater for their continued rejection of Christ.
2. Families will be divided against each other because of Christ. This still occurs today when a family member believes in Christ, goes deeper in their commitment to Christ, or becomes a pastor or missionary.
3. We must be discipled, and the disciple is not greater than the Master. We must learn and practice discipleship, constantly studying God’s Word and learning and practicing all that we can from His Word.
4. Imitation of Christ is taught. Matthew 10:25 This is a vast and important topic, and future posts will look at the imitation of Christ in further detail.
5. Christ points out that we will be called devils, but He also assures us that all will be revealed in the day of judgment. Thus, we have no cause for fear, other than to fear Satan himself. The Lord knows everything about us, and we are more valuable than sparrows.
6. Those who confess Christ on earth will be confessed before the Father, and those who reject Christ will be rejected before the Father.
7. Christ divides, yet it is not Christ who causes the division. The division occurs because some wish to hold onto evil and set themselves against the Christian. We may even have enemies within our own household.
8. We cannot be Christ’s disciple if we love things or people more than Him. That is to say, following Christ can be very costly. The Gospel of Luke explores this subject in more depth, where we are warned to count the cost. We must be prepared to forfeit family, friends, homes and jobs for the sake of Christ. This may be in answering God’s call to go somewhere, but it may also be through persecution resulting in the loss of relationships, homes or jobs. If we remember that all will be burned in the day of judgment, it is easier to let go of things we cannot keep anyway. However, if we hold onto something and deem it of more value than Christ, we are not worthy to be His disciple. Again, Luke explores this subject in more depth and assures us that whatever we give up in this world we will receive in multiples in the next.
9. While it is good to be received while working for Christ, let us also receive those who labor for Christ. They may very well need respite and encouragement. Let us not refuse hospitality, and let us also receive it joyfully when offered.
Christ goes to great lengths to prepare us for the hard road ahead of those who follow Him. We must remember that the harvest is plentiful, and when we follow Christ, He is sending us out as laborers. Let us be faithful, so that we can be productive in reaping a harvest where Christ has planted us.
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