Read Matthew 10:1-13
AUTHORITY: RECEIVE God’s Authority, GO OUT in God’s Authority, MINISTER in God’s Authority.
GIVES AUTHORITY: In this chapter God gathers his 12 disciples together and gives them His Authority. Vs 1 says, “…He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.”
SENDS DISCIPLES OUT: verse 5 says, ” These 12 disciples Jesus sent out…” Jesus doesn’t just give us Authority he sends us out to use his authority to minister to the needs of those around us. Jesus called them to go to the Jews only. Later, he will send them out to the Gentiles but for now he wants them to focus on the Jews.
Yes, we are to go into all the world with the authority of Christ. But where is God calling you right now to be his witness? Your family? Your workplace? On a short-term mission trip? To another country? Wherever he is calling you, Go In His Authority!
MINISTER IN HIS AUTHORITY: The disciples were given a task. Verse 7 and 8 say they were told to preach that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. To heal the sick. Raise the dead. Cleanse the lepers. Cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely you are to give.
God gave you abilities so now use them for His Glory. Don’t be reluctant about it.
On this Mission, God told them not to take any money but to trust him to meet their needs – most likely through the people they come in contact with. They were to even be willing to work while they were in the homes of people they were ministering to. And God would provide through the giving of others to meet their needs.
As the 12 disciples ministered to people, they would connect with them first then present the peace of God. Connecting with others is a great step to having an open door to share Christ. If people reject you then may God’s peace fall back on you. Why? Because when we are rejected for our faith, feelings of anger, hurt, hate, retaliation can come upon us. It’s during the time of rejection that we need God’s peace so that our testimony is not broken.
Lord, thank you for your Authority. I’m willing to go wherever you send me. And willing to do whatever you would have me to do. Lord, use me, and if rejected, may they see your love still shown through my life. Amen.
