The Commissioning of the Twelve Matthew 9:35-10:15

Jesus the Preacher Jesus – The Model Preacher (Vs 35) Jesus’ Motive to Evangelize Preaching - “He was moved with compassion…” (Vs 36) Healing – “moved with compassion … healed their sick” (14:14) Casting Out – “Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit … The Lord … hath had compassion on thee” (Mk 5:8,19) Jesus Prayer to Evangelize (Vs 37) “Harvest to the Laborers” or “Laborers to the Harvest”? The Prayer Answered (Vs 10:1) Mt 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Mk 6:7 he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits Lk 9:1 he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God

Kingdom Signs Healing and Casting out Demons Were Associated with Preaching the Gospel Rom 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God … I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. They demonstrated the essence of the Kingdom God did anoint him [Jesus] with the Holy Spirit and power; who went through, doing good, and healing all those oppressed by the devil, because God was with him (Ac 10:38, YLT) They validated the preacher’s credentials 2 Co 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds They helped stimulate repentance Mat 11:21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago

Power and Authority Kingdom POWER (Ability): The Gospel Itself Rom 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power … The Holy Spirit Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses Lu 24:49 I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Kingdom Authority (Legality) Christ’s Authority Manifested in His Name Mat 28:18 “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (NKJV) Jn 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do The Name of Jesus in Preaching, Healing, Casting Out Ac9:29 And he [Paul] spake boldly in the name of the Lord Ac3:6 In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk Ac16:18 I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her

Power and Authority (Cont’d) Power and Authority by Faith If they were given power over ALL devils (Lk 9:1), why couldn’t they later cast one out? Mat 17:19 Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief Power and authority still needed applied by faith Police officer still needs to exercise his authority (badge) and power (gun) by pulling the trigger Acts 3:16 “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong” How Did the Apostles Administer Healing? Mk 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up

Power and Authority (Cont’d) Power and Authority in the Great Commission Mat 28:18 “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore …” (NKJV) Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses Mk 16:15 Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature … 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils…they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mk 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work. (Olivet Discourse)

Scope of Their Commission (Vs 6) Jesus came for the lost sheep of Israel Mat 15: 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel The Jews – God’s original elect nation Deut 7:7 The LORD did not … choose you, because ye were more in number than any people … 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because He would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers (see Gen 17:8) Jews’ rejection led God to graft in the Gentiles Acts 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed ... 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles Now we are commissioned to “all nations” Mat 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations”

Administration of Their Commission Ministry Motives Freely ye have received, freely give (Vs 8) Ministry Provision No purse or change of clothes (Vs 10) Ministry Respect Ancient Eastern Salutation (Lk 10:5) “And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house” “Peace” – More than a greeting in this context The house is “worthy” if it receives (welcomes) you The house is “not worthy” if it doesn’t receive (welcome) you Salutation retracted, wrath of God abides on them (Vs 13-15) Ministry Success = Obedience (Vs 14-15) Acts 18:6 Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean Ezek 3:18 When … thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. “More tolerable for Sodom” - Rejection of the Gospel is the worst of sins

Small Group Study Group #1 Group #2 Group #3 If God gave you some amazing gift, talent, or ability, How would you use it? Read 1 Cor 12:12-31. Do your gifts need to be amazing? Can everyone be used by God? Give some examples. Group #2 Knowing that with just a handful of disciples, the Gospel was spread through the entire Roman empire in a matter of weeks, what impact could the church have today? Does it? How can you personally help make it happen? Name a person you would like to get saved and have the small group pray for your boldness. What is your success based on? Group #3 How would you respond if God told you to quit your job and go into full time ministry in another part of the world? Would you be worried? Should you be worried? How could recognizing the power and authority of God almighty within you help eradicate any doubts? (Mk 13:34, Acts 1:8, 1 Jn 4:4, Php 4:13)