Matthew 10:1-42

In this passage Jesus follows the prophetic tradition of starting out talking about the immediate future, but at some point in the discourse there is a shift into the more distant future. You find this many places in the Old Testament prophecies and this is not the only time Jesus does it Himself. I can speculate as to why but I think a short blog is better served by a few comments on His actual words.

“Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.” This wasn’t because the kingdom was not meant for all peoples, but simply because it was not yet time to take the message to them. Don’t try to do everything that seems to need doing. Just do what God tells you. (BTW, the “Samaritans” were essentially “half-Jews” and therefore not entirely classified as Gentiles.)

“Freely you have received, freely give.” Just two quick points here. No man can heal or drive out demons. Only God can do that and He doesn’t charge money for the service. Think about that the next time a false TV prophet requires a donation along with your prayer request.

“Be on your guard against men.” This is likely where the prophetic starts to shift into a more distant future.

“But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” This does not mean that you should not prepare when you get up to preach or teach. (Duh.) But “when they arrest you” focus on Him rather than what you are going to say.

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” The fear of God is not a debilitating fear but an empowering one. When you fear Him you need fear none else.

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.” Ultimately He will bring peace but there is a foe between here and the ultimate. That foe requires a sword but be aware that the weapons of this warfare are not carnal. They weren’t during the disastrous Crusades and they still aren’t today.

“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” So you want to grab for all the gusto you can get? If you think life ends at the grave then such a creed makes sense. If it ends at the grave no one can keep it, but life does not end at the grave. That is the good news of the kingdom.

Much more in this passage but I’ll leave you to meditate for yourself. Enjoy.