God’s Mission in Matthew Matthew 10:1-15 –Preach the Kingdom of Heaven –Heal every disease and affliction –Under Jesus’ authority

God’s Mission in Matthew The situation of preaching the gospel creates conflict because the Kingdom of Heaven is opposed to the kingdoms of the world. v. 16: Jesus sends out the 12 ‘as sheep in the midst of wolves’ The present situation is that the Kingdom of Heaven is already, but not yet.

God’s Mission in Matthew ‘so, be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.’ We need to understand our situation in the world and at the same time be innocent or pure in our intentions and actions The story of Richard Wurmbrand, the founder of Voice of the Martyrs

God’s Mission in Matthew Why does trouble follow the gospel? ‘Trouble is the habitat of Christian work.’ The world needs the gospel like sheep and yet resists it like wolves. It despises what it needs, resists its cure.

God’s Mission in Matthew Men will deliver them to the courts Men will flog them in the synagogues You will be dragged before governors and kings Brother will deliver brother over to death Father will deliver his child over Children will deliver parents over You will be hated for Jesus’ namesake

God’s Mission in Matthew How should the Christian face this trouble? ‘When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.’

God’s Mission in Matthew Although trouble is the habitat of Christian work, trust is the habit of Christian work. Jesus again assures his disciples that they will be sustained by the Holy Spirit. The story of Polycarp, the 2 nd century bishop of the church at Smyrna

God’s Mission in Matthew As disciples of Jesus, we are to imitate him: –In mission –In living –In suffering