Yesterday, we looked at a progression of Jesus’ movement in the world. There were four parts. In today’s passage, we’ll see a fifth: he chooses and sends out his disciples.
Jesus doesn’t just see and act alone. His ministry is shared. The extends the responsibility he carries to his disciples—a delegation of mission and purpose. And it’s not a vague task. Jesus names them, gives them specific responsibilities through his authority, and provides clear instructions.
This is a movement of the kingdom: going, seeing, feeling, acting, and sending. In a way, Jesus is simply doing what God the Father did for him—except now in human form and context. Which…is exactly what we have, and are.
So what does that sending look like today? What does it mean for us to be named, authorized, instructed, and sent? The stories of Jesus and the disciples throughout the gospels and New Testament are inspiring, but we must be careful not to hold them so distantly that the task feels impossible for us.
It’s worth remembering: this sending isn’t glamorous. It’s localized, humble, and deeply dependent on the hospitality of others. But it’s also significant as a present calling. The kingdom is near, and the work is plentiful.
Matthew 10:1-15
He called his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to throw them out and to heal every disease and every sickness. Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, who is called Peter; and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee; and John his brother; Philip; and Bartholomew; Thomas; and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean; and Judas, who betrayed Jesus.
Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, “Don’t go among the Gentiles or into a Samaritan city. Go instead to the lost sheep, the people of Israel. As you go, make this announcement: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, and throw out demons. You received without having to pay. Therefore, give without demanding payment. Workers deserve to be fed, so don’t gather gold or silver or copper coins for your money belts to take on your trips. Don’t take a backpack for the road or two shirts or sandals or a walking stick. Whatever city or village you go into, find somebody in it who is worthy and stay there until you go on your way. When you go into a house, say, ‘Peace!’ If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if the house isn’t worthy, take back your blessing. If anyone refuses to welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet as you leave that house or city. I assure you that it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on Judgment Day than it will be for that city.
Psalm 67:1-2, 6-7
Let God grant us grace and bless us; let God make his face shine on us, so that your way becomes known on earth, so that your salvation becomes known among all the nations.
The earth has yielded its harvest. God blesses us—our God blesses us! Let God continue to bless us; let the far ends of the earth honor him.
Prayer 1
God,
Make me your body in the world today.
Be my eyes, that I might see with compassion.
Be my hands, that I might serve with kindness.
Be my feet, that I might go where love is needed.
Move through me, that I might bless and not withhold,
heal and not harm,
welcome and not exclude.
Let me be a vessel of your presence.
Send me.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.
In the spirit of St. Teresa of Avila’s Christ Has No Body But Yours