15 MT 10:1-15 THE MASTER'S MEN 11/29/15 1

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1 1 I) V1-4 INTRO: And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him He gave them power over a) The context of what Matthew now begins to share with us is found in 9:35-38 II) KEY: In that section he reported that Jesus had been very busy ministering a) He went throughout cities and villages, and taught and ministered healing to the sick III) AS HE WAS DOING SO: He saw the multitudes of people in need, and it stirred His heart for them a) He saw that they were weary and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd 1) WEARY: Despondent; to be made weakend through exhaustion; to have no strength 2) SCATTERED: Literally, thrown or cast down; deserted; to be hopelessly abandoned IV) THE LEGALISM OF THE PHARISEES: Had produced this kind of fruit in the people a) Their rejection of God s Son and their clinging to their religious traditions had quenced the Spirit 1) Mt 9:17 spoke of new wine needing new wineskins, referring to the Pharisees ritualism 2) Mt 9:34 informed us that the Pharisees believed Jesus was a servant of Satan V) THIS KIND OF REJECTION: Stifled the work that God wanted to do in Israel which produced joy a) Of all people on earth, they should have been most joyful because they were the people of God 1) Ps 144:15 Happy are the people whose God is the LORD! 2) Ps 146:5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is the LORD his God VI) foods INSTEAD OF JOY: The people were despondent, exhausted, hopeless and abandoned a) They knew about keeping the sabbath, fasting, avoiding certain people and unclean 1) But they did not have the joy that is the fruit of knowing God 2) Ps 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. VII) also AS JESUS: Saw their weariness and hopelessness, His compassion within Him was stirred a) There were so many who needed Him, but so few that were selflessly caring for them 1) They were in need of genuine shepherds who would love them and care about them 2) Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He wanted His men to be true and loving shephereds VIII) HE ENCOURAGES THEM TO PRAY: That the Lord would send laborers into His harvest a) This prayer would be in line with what the Lord had already promised the people 1) Jer 3:15 And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. 2) KNOWLEDGE: Of God, and of His ways 3) UNDERSTANDING: Insight; comprehension; wisdom; proper behavior IX) AFTER MAKING THIS STATEMENT: He goes about acting on the obvious need

2 2 a) AGAIN: He has already revealed that ministers of the gospel are to have certain qualities 1) They are to have compassion, concern for the lost, and spiritually mature prayer lives X) OUT OF THE MULTITUDE OF FOLLOWERS: He now appoints twelve men to carry on His work a) The first thing that we should note is that every one of them were simply ordinary men 1) These men were being trained to preach the message of redemption, to the whole world 2) Most likely none had ever traveled much beyond the borders of Israel, but they are to take this message and make it possible for it to reach the furthest corners of the world I) KEY: The only plan the Lord has for reaching the world is for those who know Him to witness a) The gospel of Christ's atoning death for man's sin is the only means God saves 1) The responsibility of declaration of this message rests entirely on us II) WE MUST REMEMBER: That we individually still have the joy of sharing the gospel with others a) The simple fact is: Jesus is still equiping His followers to share this most important message 1) Ro 10:13-15 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" III) PURPOSE OF TRAINING DISCIPLES: Is that they are equipped to do the work of ministry a) A church in Strasbourg, France, was severely damaged by bombs during WW 2. Although a beloved statue of Christ had survived, a ceiling beam had fallen across the arms and broken them off. A local sculptor offered to restore the statue without charge, but the townspeople decided to leave it as it was. Without hands, it would be a continuing reminder to them that God does His work through His people, His earthly hands. 1) Eph 4:11-12 IV) REMEMBER: Jesus' physical and personal ministry on earth lasted for three years a) He intended it to continue after His death and resurrection, so He prepared the twelve V) V1 HE CALLED: His twelve disciples to Him VI) NOTICE: He called His twelve disciples a) It is interesting that Jesus initiated the call, and it did not originate with any of these men 1) Jn 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. VII) THESE 12 DISCIPLES (LEARNERS): Are also called apostles (representing the government of Kingdom) a) Apostolos: An ambassador, one sent forth being delegated with authority

3 3 VIII) BRIEFLY: Are there modern day apostles? Not in the strictest biblical sense a) Apostles have certain qualifications 1) WERE CALLED BY JESUS: 2) EYEWITNESSES: Ac 1:21-22 Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection. 3) MIRACLES: 2 Co 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. 4) WROTE SCRIPTURE: Such as Matthew, John, Peter, and Paul IX) KEY: They were a small group, teaching with authority and exercising power to perform miracles a) These men were to be the building blocks God used to lay the foundation for His Kingdom 1) Eph. 2:19-20 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. I) SOME OF THESE MEN ARE WELL KNOWN TO US a) Peter, James, John, Thomas, Matthew and Judas Iscariot all stand out 1) INTERESTINGLY: Simon Peter always heads the list, and Judas always ends it II) SOMETHING TO CONSIDER: They were all unremarkable men a) They reveal to us what God can do with people who are available to Him 1) It was not their intrinsic value, but what God could do with them 2) 2 Chron 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him III) IT WAS NOT THE MEN: But God who called them and proceeded to equip them a) Their hearts were drawn to Him, and He performed the work through them and is glorified 1) 2 Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2) A great writer can take a worthless piece of paper, write a poem on it and instantly make it extremely valuable. IV) V5-15 THESE: Twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them saying Do not go into the way of the Gentiles a) After calling them, he commissions them to perform ministry in His Name 1) These verses deals with the task of performing basic ministry 2) What did He do to prepare them for success in their mission? V) V1 FIRST: Before sending them He gave them power over unclean spirits and to perform healings a) Spiritual power is necessary to perform a spiritual task (Ac 1:8)

4 4 VI) SPIRITUAL WORK: Must be performed by Spirit filled ministers a) We need to seek God for His power if we are going to perform His work 1) This is what is needed desperately today 2) Ac 4:31-33 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 3) QUOTE: I believe every church is either supernatural or superficial. I don't believe there's any middle ground. VII) V5-6 SECOND: They had a target: Do not go into the way of the gentiles and do not go to Samaritans a) He did not send them out wandering the road, aimlessly looking for ministry 1) Success requires a certainty of calling; there needs to be a sense of whom you are called to VIII) V6 THEIR TARGET: Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Go to the Jews, first) a) They are God's lost sheep, so go and minister to them 1) Jer 50:6 My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place. IX) FACT: Peter was called to the Jews, Paul to the Gentiles (Gal 2:7-8) Who are you called to a) Obviously, Jerusalem is your home, Judea your neighbors and family, Samaria, your job or schools, the uttermost parts those who are outside of your loop (Including missions) I) SOMETIMES: The Lord may place in your heart your own people a) Ro 9:3 could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh 1) Sometimes, it may be to a people that are unlike you in every way II) FOR ME: God led me step by step to the city of Chino a) God often seems to use natural things to lead us in to His will for our lives 1) Pr 16:9 A man s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. 2) Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. 3) Ro 15:20 I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man s foundation III) V7 THIRD: He gave them a method: As you go, Preach a) They were to use the method of preaching the gospel, heralding it through their words IV) PREACH THE WORD: Everything else revolves around the teaching of the word of God a) Preach the message of Jesus, and keep Him the center of the life of the work 1) 1 Co 1:17 Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel --not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

5 5 2) Ro 10:13-14 Whoever calls upon the name of the LORD shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? V) FOURTH: He gave them the proper motivation a) URGENCY: There is a tone of emergency, of a need to immediately respond 1) People are not to put off receiving the Lord: What do they have to gain by waiting? 2) 2 Co 6:2 He says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. VI) V8 FIFTH: He gives them credentials: Signs and wonders through healing, cleansing, casting a) These were to demonstrate the character of God and the nature of His Kingdom being present 1) Ac 2:22 Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst 2) In His Kingdom there is no sickness: VII) HOW DID THEY GO ABOUT THIS? Freely, with absolutely no thought about personal gain a) False teachers got rich off of the ministry, with no intent of making money off of God s people 1) 1 Pe 2:3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words 2) 2 Co 2:17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ VIII) V9-10 SIXTH: Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts a) PROVIDE: Literally, procure or acquire: Do not horde up money to advance your ministry 1) Ministry is a work of faith in God, so trust the Lord to provide for you IX) MINISTERS: Are not to be demanding, or forcing people to care for them a) Believers will give as they are cared for, so just teach them the word and trust the Lord 1) Those who are taught will respond with faithful support of the ministry I) THE JEWS KNEW: That they were to support those who labored in the word of God and ministry a) Rabbi Jochanan: It is the duty of every Jewish community to support a Rabbi, and the more so because a Rabbi naturally neglects his own affairs to concentrate on the affairs of God II) POINT: Your needs will be cared for if you have a work that is of the Lord and worth supporting a) 1 Co 9:13-14 Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. b) 1 Ti 5:17-18 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." III) V11 SEVENTH: Inquire who is spiritually well spoken of

6 6 a) Minister with integrity and safeguard your personal reputation 1) This protects the message, your credibility and safeguards you from temptations 2) Don't be moving from place to place, looking for better accommodations! IV) V12-14 EIGHTH PRINCIPAL: Concentrate on the truly receptive a) Don't waste time with those who could care less 1) Mt 7:6 Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces V) V15 TERRIBLE WARNING: People who reject God's grace will face His justice a) The greater opportunity brings with it the greater responsibility 1) Lu 12:47-48 "That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.