TJC eLibrary Item

(Matthew)

14: Sending out the Twelve (Mt 9:35-11:1)

I. The Basics

A. Setting

Jesus went through every town and village, teaching, preaching, and healing. Seeing the great number of people that needed help, He called His disciples to Him, gave them authority, and commissioned them to spread the gospel of the kingdom. In this second discourse, Jesus gave them warnings and instructions to prepare them for the challenges ahead.

B. Key Verse

“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few’” (9:37).

C. Did You Know…?

1. Simon the Canaanite/Zealot (10:4): Either a description of Simon’s religious zeal or a reference to his membership in the party of the Zealots, a Jewish revolutionary group violently opposed to Roman rule over Palestine. ^8/1452

2. Samaritans (10:5): A mixed-blood race resulting from the intermarriage of Israelites left behind when the people of the northern kingdom were exiled and Gentiles brought into the land by the Assyrians (2 Ki 17:24). Bitter hostility existed between Jews and Samaritans in Jesus’ day (see Jn 4:9). ^8/1452

3. “Shake off the dust from your feet” (10:14) This was a symbolic gesture, with a purpose of warning. In effect, the disciples were saying to those refusing a hearing, as Paul said at a later time, “Your blood be upon your own heads” (Acts 18:6). ^2/52

4. Beelzebub (10:25): Satan, the ruler of demons.

II. Observation

A. Outline

(9:35-38)

(10:1-15)

(1-4)

(5-8)

(9-10)

(10:16-11:1)

(16-20)

(21-23)

(24-33)

(34-39)

(40-42)

(11:1)

B. Key Words/Phrases

III. General Analysis

1a. Record the recurring references to the end time.

1b. Why do you think these references were made?

2. With what encouragements did the Lord give for the command, “do not fear them” (10:26)?

3. What necessary criteria for an evangelist do you see in this passage?

IV. Segment Analysis

A. 9:35-38

1. What aspects did the ministry of Jesus consist of?

2. What can we learn from Jesus and His ministry?

3. What does the Lord’s command in 37 have to do with us today?

B. 10:1-15

4. Why did Jesus tell the disciples not to go among the Gentiles or Samaritans?

5a. The Lord instructed the disciples about an important principle that serves as a motivation for our ministry. What is it?

5b. How does this principle apply to us?

6. Jesus commanded the disciples not to take money, bags, extra tunic, sandals, or a staff along with them on their journey. Why was this command important?

7. Is the command to shake off the dust from the feet contrary to the command to love our enemies? Explain your answer.

C. 10:16-23

8. What was the reason for these instructions?

9. List the things Jesus taught about persecutions.

10. Explain verse 16.

11a. What other passage in Matthew are verses 22 and 23 very similar to?

11b. What could the prediction in verse 23 refer to?

D. 10:24-33

12. Explain the teaching behind these verses according to the context of the passage:

12a. 24,25

12b. 27

12c. 28-31