February 1. Matthew 10

SENT OUT

After asking God to send out (to literally “thrust out”) more workers, Jesus pulls the twelve together and does just that - sends them out. Jesus is very specific in his instructions - where to go to, who to talk to, what to say, what to do. This must’ve been exhilarating for the young disciples to now have Jesus’ authority to go out and bring the kingdom of heaven to people. 

This reminds me of the great evangelism plans of our movement - to reach every major city in the world for Christ. It reminds me of the excitement of each new church planting, particularly the recent one in Lynchburg, Virginia. But the reality for me is that I have been sent out. There are towns and villages all around me that Jesus has sent us to be his messengers. What are the plans of my small group to reach the communities around us? How specific are we in our goal? What is our monthly plan to meet that goal? Are we finding “worthy” people who are open to the message? In this pandemic era, the need for clear evangelistic action is critical, as people are more harassed and helpless and yet harder to access. Therefore disciples must leave their places of comfort to find a way to enter people’s lives.

The biggest hindrance to the mission of Jesus is my fear, wrapped up in many excuses. But in reality, I do want to be used to preach the message that has transformed me. I assume the disciples were tempted with fear as well or would be tempted later to shrink back due to persecution. Jesus gives them both encouragement and warnings to prepare them for the task. It is important for me to go into evangelism knowing that people may not welcome the message of Jesus. I will more than likely lose close friends. I will probably lose relationships with some close family members. But ultimately Jesus will take care of me. He will give me the words to say when opposed. He will reveal all secrets that are hidden in the dark. He will judge those who reject his message and acknowledge those who confess him. That is why he continually tells us not to be afraid. He will be with us.