Hello Church Family,
This past Sunday I preached on Matthew 10 where Jesus sent out the twelve apostles. Jesus took time to teach them and live life with them, but he understood the urgency of the task ahead. Jesus knew that his journey on earth would lead him to the cross. The twelve apostles were sent out by Jesus with very specific instructions to not bring anything with them. They were to be totally dependent on strangers as they shared the good news of Jesus Christ.
The interesting thing about this passage is that Jesus doesn’t ask the twelve if they are ready to go out. He doesn’t give them a test to take to check their aptitude and readiness for ministry. He doesn’t inquire if they feel up to the task. He tells them to go and to trust him.
Matthew 10:7–11 (ESV)
7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart.
The same is true for us. Jesus calls us to himself not to be comfortable but to go out into the world. Where is Jesus calling you to go out and share the good news? It could be to your neighbor, a co-worker, a friend, a family member or someone you meet on the street. God opens doors for us to share the good news, we must be willing to walk through them. We are called to go into the places we live, work, and play and to share the good news about Jesus Christ ?
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Jeremy
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