December 6, 2020

Matthew 10:5-15

In this particular passage, Jesus is on the verge of sending out his 12 disciples on their first missionary trip.  Pastor Nate taught us about the Kingdom of Heaven, about the decision we must make about our citizenship, about God’s grace and reconciliation, about the company we keep, and about a believers’ responsibility to make known the Gospel no matter what.

1. Matthew 10:5-6:  The Lord Jesus Christ sent the 12 disciples, not to everyone, but to the Jewish people.  Jesus kindly and wisely sent them to those with whom they were most familiar.  What encouragement does this give you as you trust Christ for your particular calling?  How does His kindness and wisdom, reflected here, invigorate your obedience? How might it instruct your care over those you lead?

2. Matthew 10:7:  What 3 “ingredients” for a kingdom were mentioned?  Are you a citizen?  If so, what is your country and who is your ruler?  Using this verse, explain how your transfer from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of heaven impacts your daily life.  

3. Matthew 10:8:  Pastor Nate asked: “What will the disciples offer as proof that the Kingdom of Heaven has infiltrated earth?”  Considering the answer to that question, what is a temptation for those who possess great power? Where have you seen this temptation materialized in our society and what has been some of the disastrous effects? How does remembering: “The Gospel is not for sale; it is the gracious gift of God.” help you discern Biblical teachers and preachers today? 

4. Matthew 10:9-10: We are reminded to care for those who preach and teach God’s Word; if we do not support those who are preaching the Gospel, we are disobeying the command of Christ. See 1 Cor. 9:14 and 1 Tim. 5:17-18. How do these verses challenge you and encourage you in your giving?

5. Matthew 10:11: Who we hang out with matters.  1 Cor. 15:33: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” And Pastor Nate queried: “Would the disciples have stayed in your home on the first missionary trip?”  How can your home be a place that builds up believers and leads others to be Christ like? Share some practical ideas.  Lastly, regarding the second instruction: “…stay there until you depart.”, where have you wasted time lately looking for something better and not being satisfied?

6. Matthew 10:12-13: Read Romans 5:10. How did Jesus reconcile those who believe? Pastor Nate shared that when Jesus died on the cross, he was treated as an enemy of God.  Every enemy of God who believes in Jesus Christ and Him alone moves from being an enemy of God to a friend of God permanently and eternally.  What does this mean to you?  How would you explain reconciliation with God?

7. Matthew 10:14-15:  Who is the Lord bringing to mind, that you see every week, that is cut off from Christ?  Consider looking at Genesis 19:23-25.  In what area are you in danger of being “engrossed with the peripheral or entrenched with the meaningless”? What is distracting you from sharing the message our Lord has instructed us to proclaim?