Christ’s Agents for a targeted mission <Mt 10:5-16>
stick to the missions; not retreat when being threatened by circumstances
God calls us into a glorious mission - we’re Christ’s agents!
Matthew 10:5-16
5 Jesus sent out these twelve, instructing them: “Do not go among the Gentiles, and do not go into a city of the Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Do not take gold, or silver, or [even] copper money in your money belt, 10 or a provision bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker deserves his support. 11 Whatever city or village you enter, ask who in it is worthy[who welcomes you and your message], and stay at his house until you leave [that city]. 12 As you go into the house, give it your greeting[that is, ‘Peace be to this house’]. 13 If [the family living in] the house is worthy [welcoming you and your message], give it your [blessing of] [e]peace [that is, a blessing of well-being and prosperity, the favor of God]. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.14 Whoever does not welcome you, nor listen to your message, as you leave that house or city, [f]shake the dust [of it] off your feet [in contempt, breaking all ties]. 15 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of [g]Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city [since it rejected the Messiah’s messenger].
16 “Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves [have no self-serving agenda].
Master sends His agents to Field
1) God is clear on the central objective —> so that you can focus
- look out for receptive lost sheep, preach the kingdom of heaven has come near
- why God gives us central focus? so that we are targeted in living, not doing many things (yet missing the important thing)
- the kingdom of God is near, and the only way to this kingdom is through Jesus
- when we’re focussed —> right labor, battle, strategies, connections
- 1 Co 2:2 - (Paul).. resolved to know nothing, except Christ and Him crucified
- we know a lot of things, but do we know what to hit?
- Reflect: is there anything that steer us away from this focus?
- when you have the right focus (e.g. you want to get the baby out) -> you will let the pain, emotional uproar go past us rather than letting them taking root (self-pity, anger..)
- Clear and precise message
- targeted audience
2) God co-works with His Agents
- can any human do that? drive out demons, heal the sick...
- agent means letting God works through us
- if you’re faithful to the central mission, God will do His job of fulfilling
3) God is realistic <v9-10>
- He takes care of His agents - e.g. don’t bring extra sandals, don’t bring coins … why? as God provides timely all resources His agents need
- so that we can serve Him freely, without worries [God will prepare the sheep] - because God does not want us to lose focus (and become ineffective)
- Realistically tell them what’s ahead - “you’re like sheep among wolves”==> so that you’re prepared rightly —> true disciple uncover
Attitudes of Christ’s Agents
1) Freely received, freely give
- Freely give to God: our own will/ sovereignty (take orders from God, not drive your own car)
- Freely give to man: it’s easier to give to God..
2) Trust in Him
- sometimes, God leaves us with no choice but to practise faith as they preach
3) Ready to face the wolves
- godless world, and everything in them —> treat jC with contempt
- sheep: gentle, timid, easily frightened
- to be wise (practically) as serpents
- and innocent as doves [have no self-serving agenda] -> be won over by our sincerity
Check:
- motivation of your heart (not your glory, but God’s kingdom proclaimed)—> thus the faithfulness in the task