Note: The Lord has been working with me on Matthew, chapter 10. Please join me in a mini-series over the next few days. Thanks, Ed
Message, Authority, and Instruction (Part 1)
“When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Matthew 10:19-20 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.10.19-20.NLT
The 10th chapter of Matthew recounts the specific message, authority, and instructions the 12 disciples will need as they travel throughout Israel, sharing the coming of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ.
Reflection
There is much in what Christ is doing with the Disciples here. Let’s take our time and consider it together:
Part 1:
The message: “Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 10:7 NLT. The Messiah has come. Sins really can be forgiven. One can be made right with God.
The authority: “Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” Matthew 10:1, 8 NLT.
Could you sit with the scope, depth, and breadth of authority Jesus has given to the disciples? It takes my breath away. Imagine being one of the disciples, thinking, “I have seen Jesus do all of this, but I didn’t know he would be giving me the authority and responsibility to do the same! This must have been what Jesus was talking about when he said: “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12 NLT.
Encouragement
This is the same message and authority Christ has extended to us today.
We are to share the coming of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ.
Our actions, including miraculous signs granted by God, are meant to draw others to consider Christ.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for making the message we are to share with others so clear.
Thank you for the authority you have poured over our lives.
Please help us learn how to use this authority thoughtfully and wisely.
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell