INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP

1.  Proclaim the Good News (Matthew 10:1-16; 28:16-20) 

     A. Empowered Disciples (Matthew 10:1-10) 

     B. Sheep Among Wolves (Matthew 10:11-16) 

     C. Clear Mission (Matthew 28:16-20) 

2.  Be on Your Guard (Matthew 10:17-25) 

     A.  Antagonistic Authorities (Matthew 10:17-20) 

     B. Oppositional Relatives (Matthew 10:21-23) 

     C. Christ’s Experience (Matthew 10:24-25) 

3.  Do Not Be Afraid (Matthew 10:26-33) 

     A. God Sees (Matthew 10:26-31) 

     B. God Rewards (Matthew 10:32-33) 

Central Truth:  The words of Christ offer instructions for daily Christian living. 

Focus:  Perceive and practice Jesus’ instructions for all Christian disciples. 

Evangelism Emphasis:  Obedient Christian disciples will model penitent lives to unbelievers. 

Text:  “As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:7-8). 

INTRODUCTION 

In our Pentecostal churches, we take special note of those who testify to being saved, and indeed it is a wonderful thing! Jesus tells us there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). But an important question to ask is this: “When we say someone is ‘saved,’ do we mean the same thing as what Scripture refers to as being ‘saved’?” Some have reduced salvation to “making a decision for Christ,” but what is the nature of the decision they are making? Are they deciding to simply believe a set of ideas about God? Are they just looking for a “clean slate”? What does it really mean to be saved? 

A significant clue to a Biblical understanding of salvation is found in Matthew 28:19-20, often referred to as the Great Commission. This passage is seen as containing the Church’s “marching orders,” as it were. So what are they? We are told there to “go . . . and make disciples of all the nations . . . teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (NASB). From this it can be seen we are not called to just make converts; we are called to make disciples whose lives are reoriented around Jesus Christ, all that He taught, and all He desires to do in and through our lives. The call to salvation and the call to discipleship are the same call! 

1. PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS 

A. Empowered Disciples (Matthew 10:1-10) 

5 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. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 9 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. 

In this passage, we see Jesus sending out the Twelve to carry His mission forward. Up to this time, they had watched Him teach and perform miracles. Now He is giving them the task to do the things He had been doing. Jesus gives them authority to cast out unclean spirits and heal all kinds of disease (vv. 1, 8). In verse 7, Jesus tells them to preach the message He had been preaching: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 

Jesus prohibits the Twelve on this mission to go either to the Gentiles or to the Samaritans; they were to confine their activity to the Jews (vv. 5-6). This may have been a concession to the inexperience of the apostles, whose mission would later be enlarged; or it may have been that the Lord wanted the first offers of salvation to be made only to the chosen people, and later offered to everyone else. 

Not only were they authorized to carry Jesus’ message and ministry forward on His behalf, they went with the promise of His provision. They had received the good news of the Kingdom from Jesus without any charge, thus they should give the message away “freely” (v. 8). Rather than bringing money or an extra tunic and sandals, they were to travel light, trusting the Lord to take care of them. They were not even permitted to carry a bag like a beggar might have carried. Instead, they were to learn that the “worker is worthy of his food” (v. 10 NKJV). The Lord would take care of them through the hospitality of those they would meet along the way who would provide for them a place to sleep and food to eat. 

Discipleship is a calling that requires full reliance on Jesus. Authority over unclean spirits and disease comes from Him. The same is true of our provision for living in His will. In light of this, it is important for us to live close to Him, free from sinful hindrances and distractions, and attentive in prayer and worship. 

• The word apostle (v. 2) means “one sent forth.” Why was this an appropriate title for the Twelve? 
• How is the compassion of Jesus seen in verse 7? 

B. Sheep Among Wolves (Matthew 10:11-16) 

11 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. 16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 

Jesus gave His apostles clear instructions about how to enter a city and also a household where they might stay. The term “worthy” (v. 11) would not necessarily refer to someone who was morally upright in this case. More likely, it was someone willing to receive them and the good news they carried with them (D. A. Carson, Matthew & Mark). When entering into a household, the apostles were to give the typical greeting of “Peace be to this house” (Luke 10:5). But if the household ended up not being “worthy” in the sense of its receptivity to the apostles and the Gospel, they were to let that greeting return to them. This represented a loss of their presence as well as the loss of Jesus himself. A failure to receive the disciples was the same as failure to receive the One who had sent them (see Matt. 10:40). Similarly, if a city was not receptive to them or their message, they were to leave it and “shake off the dust [from their] feet” (v. 14). This was a Jewish way of dissociating from a polluted land and the judgment that would ultimately come to it. 

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ opens us up to rejection when the Gospel message we live and proclaim comes into conflict with the spirit of the present age. But that does not mean we are to revel in that rejection and seek to stir up opposition. Instead, Jesus says we are to be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (v. 16 NASB) concerning those with whom we come into contact. In Near Eastern culture, the serpent was seen as symbolic of prudence, or shrewdness. The dove, on the other hand, was seen as innocent; so much so that it was easily ensnared by trappers. Jesus is urging us to have both qualities at work in our mission as His disciples. Shrewdness by itself can turn into cunning manipulativeness unless it is mixed with dove-like innocence and simplicity. At the same time, innocence and simplicity becomes ignorance and naïveté unless it is combined with serpent-like shrewdness (N. T. Wright, Matthew for Everyone). A proper balance can be maintained only as we daily rely on God’s enabling grace. 

The Worst Mistake 

I saw that it is better to make a mistake in one’s first effort at personal religious conversation, and correct that mistake afterward, than not to make any effort. There can be no mistake so bad, in working for an individual soul for Christ, as the fatal mistake of not making an honest endeavor. How many persons refrain from doing anything lest they possibly should do the wrong thing just now! Not doing is the worst of doing.—Henry Clay Trambull 

C. Clear Mission (Matthew 28:16-20) 

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 

Before His ascension to Heaven, Jesus called His eleven remaining apostles (Judas Iscariot having killed himself) to a mountain in Galilee. Matthew notes the Eleven worshiped Jesus, yet “some doubted” (v. 17). The word doubted here is better understood as “hesitated.” This event was unexpected, and not all of them clearly understood what was happening. Matthew does not mention the Day of Pentecost in his narrative, but certainly the coming of the Spirit would solidify the faith of those hesitant apostles. In the meantime, however, Jesus told them “all authority in heaven and on earth” (v. 18 NLT) had been given to Him. It was right to worship Him. 

The commission He gave to those disciples remains our commission to this day. The word “therefore”  (v. 19) tells us this mission is rooted in the fact that Jesus has been given all authority. It is our task to make disciples of Jesus from all the nations everywhere, both Jews and Gentiles. Simply put, a disciple is “one who hears, understands, and obeys Jesus’ teaching.” It is important to see from this passage that there is one call—the call to discipleship. There is no distinction to be found here between conversion and discipleship. In other words, one cannot say they are a “convert” and not be a disciple of Jesus. Jesus’ commission does not allow for that possibility. 

• Why is teaching so critical in our ministry efforts? 
• What did Jesus say about “the end of the world” (v. 20)? 

2. BE ON YOUR GUARD 

A. Antagonistic Authorities (Matthew 10:17-20) 

17 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 passage comes on the heels of Jesus’ admonition to be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (v. 16 NASB). As exciting as it is to be told Jesus’ authority over sickness and evil spirits was being given to them, the disciples also had to be prepared for the inevitable opposition they would face. Jesus’ warning that they would be brought before “the councils” (v. 17) referred to local courts presided over by Jewish elders or priests. The punishment they would receive there could include being flogged with thirteen harsh blows to the chest and twenty-six on the back. To Jesus’ disciples (Jewish believers) this signified their preaching would be rejected among their own people. “Governors and kings” (v. 18) included Roman overseers, and possibly even speaks of persecution beyond Rome. The warning was clear—persecution by governing authorities would be part of what it means to be His disciples on mission. 

When we look at Christianity from a global perspective, we realize persecution is a daily threat to followers of Jesus everywhere. Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch list revealed there are over 260 million Christians living in places with high levels of persecution. In 2019, nearly 3,000 Christians were killed for their faith; 9,488 churches and other Christian buildings were attacked; and 3,711 believers were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced, or imprisoned (opendoorsusa.org). It might be worthwhile for Christians in parts of the world not facing much opposition to consider whether the Gospel they are preaching has been compromised in some way so as to be more acceptable to the spirit of the age. 

When Christians are brought before antagonistic authorities, they are to remember they are there for Jesus’ sake, and they are not left alone. In those moments, they should not be concerned with how they should speak or what they should say (v. 19). Instead, they can rely on the Holy Spirit to speak in and through them as a faithful witness of Jesus Christ (v. 20). 

• What causes government authorities and religious leaders to oppose Christians? 

B. Oppositional Relatives (Matthew 10:21-23) 

21 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. 

If the idea of persecution by governmental authorities was not troubling enough, Jesus made it clear that even families would be divided as a result of the message they were carrying. The apostles themselves should be prepared to face such opposition from their own families. This warning is an echo of Micah 7:6 (which Jesus references in Matt. 10:35-36), which envisioned family division as one of the signs of the last days. This would have been very difficult for the disciples to hear because the Jewish culture greatly valued family loyalty and the honoring of parents. 

The opposition they would face was not only going to come from governmental authorities and family members; Jesus extended it to include “all men” (v. 22). This is not meant to be understood in an absolute sense; otherwise it would mean no people would become disciples of Jesus. Instead, “all men” should be taken to mean “people regardless of race, color, or creed.” The disciples would experience this hostility on account of Jesus. Christians who face such opposition must patiently endure it to “the end” of their life or until “the end” of this age in order to be among the “saved” (v. 22). That is not to say we are saved by our works, but our commitment to endure hardship in this way reveals our commitment, or lack thereof, to being a disciple of Jesus Christ. 

Verse 23 has been the source of much discussion as to its meaning. In the context of the passage, what makes the most sense is that Jesus is referencing Daniel 7:13, in which the coming of “the Son of man” is not His coming from Heaven to earth, but His coming from earth to Heaven. In other words, this speaks of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension to be the Judge of all the world after His suffering on the cross (N. T. Wright). Certainly, the disciples would not have been able to make it to every city in Israel before the Ascension. But, as with all disciples throughout history, we must continue our mission from Jesus to carry throughout the world. If we experience rejection in one place, then we may need to strategically withdraw to a more receptive place. No matter what opposition we face, we must endure to the end, knowing that one day Jesus will return and we will receive our vindication and reward. 

No False Advertising 

A “bait and switch” is a form of fraud in which we are offered something desirable which turns out to be something far less than advertised. Jesus’ call to discipleship is the exact opposite of such a tactic. He is very clear to all who would follow Him about what kinds of challenges to expect in this life, but the promised blessing from our heavenly Father is far greater than anything we could imagine in the end! 

C. Christ’s Experience (Matthew 10:24-25) 

24 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? 

At this point, we might be tempted to shrink back from the call to be a disciple of Jesus! It seems to be asking so much of us. But Jesus doesn’t want His disciples to be surprised by any of these things, but instead to consider what He himself endured in His earthly ministry. As Jesus’ disciples, we should not expect to be above the Teacher; and as His servants, we should not expect to be above our Master. Instead, we are called to be like Him. Jesus tells us He had been accused of being Satan himself! Why would those of us who are part of His household expect to experience less? 

• Since Jesus was called “the prince of demons” (v. 25 NLT), what might we as Christians be called today? 

3. DO NOT BE AFRAID 

A. God Sees (Matthew 10:26-31) 

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. 

This study has revealed truths that are difficult to hear. No one seeks out persecution, ridicule, or rejection. The fact that so many over the centuries have experienced these things and have endured faithfully to the end is a testimony of the powerful relationship true disciples of Jesus have with Him. 

In her book The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom tells how her family became part of the Dutch Underground during the Nazi occupation of Holland. Her family hid Jewish people from the Nazis, knowing they would ultimately face arrest and possible execution for their actions. Corrie tells of a powerful conversation with her father in which she was struggling with fear over their circumstances. Her father asked her, “When you and I go to Amsterdam, when do I give you your ticket?” Corrie responded, “Just before we get on the train.” Her father made his point, saying, “Exactly. And our wise Father in Heaven knows when we’re going to need things, too. Don’t run out ahead of Him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need just in time.” 

Rather than being afraid, we are called to speak the truth loudly and clearly for all to hear. Jesus told His disciples things He had told no one else. They would be tasked with proclaiming those things. Speaking “upon the [flat] housetops” (v. 27) meant they were to be publicly bold about what they were proclaiming. Eventually, everything hidden would be revealed to all (v. 26). Such bold preaching would inevitably result in various degrees of opposition, and this passage is really about the wrong and right way of being afraid. We can choose to be afraid of people, but the worst they can do is destroy our body (v. 28). In the life to come, we will receive a new body fit for eternity (see 1 Cor. 15:43-44). Or, we can choose to fear God, who is able to “destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28). 

No matter what challenges we face as disciples of Jesus, we must never forget the Lord is faithful to His children. Jesus uses the sparrow as a way of demonstrating the magnitude of His care for us. The sparrow was used by the very poor as a source of food because two could be purchased for about 1/16th of a typical day’s wage. Regardless of the value placed on the sparrow by humans, not even one sparrow is missed by God’s sovereign care. How much more will He care for us who are made in His image, being “more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows”? (v. 31 NLT). Jesus expresses this idea powerfully to us when He refers to God as “your Father.” God is not a distant being who doesn’t have time for us. He is our “Father” (v. 29). And because of His care of the most seemingly insignificant things, we can be confident in His care for us. 

What’s Your Faith Size? 

The size of your faith is tied to the size of your God. When you shrink God, you automatically shrink faith. So if you and I have little faith, it’s because we’re operating with a small understanding and view of God.—Tony Evans 

B. God Rewards (Matthew 10:32-33) 

32 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 his book Salvation by Allegiance Alone, Matthew Bates says the Greek word translated into English as “faith” could, and often should, be understood not just as “belief” but as “allegiance.” This seems to be in view in these two verses. Jesus says if we claim to be His disciples, we must be willing to acknowledge Him publicly (“confess me before men”). In response, Jesus promises to confess us before His Father. This wording indicates a special relationship between Jesus and the Father, upon which our eternal destiny solely depends (D. A. Carson). If we confess Jesus publicly, He will confess us before the Father. But if we deny Him publicly, He will deny us before the Father. It is a choice of allegiance. 

There is no room for a passive form of discipleship. True disciples will live their faith (allegiance) “out loud.” This will take different forms for different people, since not everyone has the same platform and personality. The Holy Spirit works through us in ways that honor the way God made us. Regardless of what it looks and sounds like, disciples of Jesus will proclaim Him with their words and their lives. Ultimately, what Jesus is doing is establishing here and now what it looks like to be the people of God. Those who follow Him are a foretaste of the reality of God’s kingdom that is already active and ultimately will prevail for all eternity. 

• When is it most difficult to confess Christ? How can today’s study help you to be a bolder witness?  

CHRIST’S CLEAR CALL 

Jesus’ call to follow Him is clear from the beginning. He calls us to continue His mission in His power and authority. In doing so, we can always trust Him to provide for our needs. He is equally clear about the reality of opposition and persecution. His calling is not always easy and can ultimately cost us dearly. Thankfully, we can rest assured Jesus is always with us; our Father is always mindful of us; and our faithfulness to Him in this life, no matter the circumstances, will be rewarded in the life to come. 

Daily Devotions 

M. Peter Proclaims the Good News (Acts 2:29-41) 

T. Philip Proclaims the Good News (Acts 8:4-8) 

W. Saul (Paul) Proclaims the Good News (Acts 9:19-22) 

T. Instructions for Peace (Philippians 4:4-9) 

F. Instructions for Contentment (1 Timothy 6:3-8) 

S. Paul’s Charge to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:11-21) 

Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2021-2022.