Matthew 10: 1-8
He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
A Thought
Did you notice the name change from disciples to apostles? A disciple is a follower of Christ and an apostle is one who is sent out. So, Jesus is now sending out the twelve apostles to the lost sheep of Israel with authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal disease and sickness while preaching the message that the kingdom of heaven is near. The good news of their King was first given to the seed of promise, Israel. It was only after Jesus’ departure was about to take place that Jesus gives the great commission to go into all the world and preach the message of the good news of Christ. Salvation is now available to all who will receive it by faith in Jesus Christ.
Our Prayer
Father thank you that salvation is now freely given to all who will receive in faith your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to tell the good news of your love and compassion for all people. We who believe will live without sin or sickness forever with you in your kingdom. We love you, in Jesus’ name, amen.
