February 1, 2016
HE EQUIPS THE CALLED
Matthew 10:1–23
Natalie Wall
Central Truth
When God calls us to take action, He will equip us not based upon our own abilities, but through the Spirit of the Father.
Key Verse | Matthew 10:19–20
When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:19-20)
Matthew 10:1–23
The Twelve Apostles
1 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 1 10:3 Some manuscripts Lebbaeus, or Lebbaeus called Thaddaeus 4 Simon the Zealot, 2 10:4 Greek kananaios, meaning zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 3 10:7 Or The kingdom of heaven has come near 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, 4 10:8 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 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 5 10:10 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin 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. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.
Persecution Will Come
16 Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Footnotes
[1] 10:3 Some manuscripts Lebbaeus, or Lebbaeus called Thaddaeus[2] 10:4 Greek kananaios, meaning zealot
[3] 10:7 Or The kingdom of heaven has come near
[4] 10:8 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
[5] 10:10 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin
Dive Deeper | Matthew 10:1–23
I’ve heard it put before, “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” When I read this passage, I thought to myself about the severity of what Jesus calls His apostles to do and how I would feel if I were there listening to His call to action. I would love to say that in full confidence I would persevere to the end, believing that I could be resilient against all odds. Truthfully, I think I would be terrified, over analyzing my insecurities, anxious, worrisome, and thinking I hope I won’t be persecuted too badly. In reflecting on a key word in my response to His call, I realized that it was all centered around “I.” What is Jesus telling the apostles in verses 5-14? He is giving them a call to action. But His grace speaks fervently to my soul in verse 20, “For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” It is not “I,” but He!
I think about those pivotal times in my own life when I am feeling inadequate, weak, and like I have nothing to offer. My pride and comfort keep me from resting in His truth that He equips me and is continually with me. I was sharing with my roommate the other day about the Residency program and an awesome assignment of sharing the gospel with people. I was telling her that sometimes I am tempted to wait for the "right moment" to share the gospel. The problem with waiting for the right moment is that I could be waiting for a long time. Instead, in that moment when my heartbeat starts to race and I know “NOW” is the time to follow the Lord's leading and be obedient to His call, I have been overwhelmed with God's presence and power. In those moments it is the scariest/most exciting/most fulfilling experience. I walk away with this humble, reverent “aha” moment, recognizing apart from Him I can do nothing. But He just used me for His glory! I will give my life for those moments.
This life is tough; it won’t be easy, but God has equipped us to bring glory to His name.
Discussion Questions
1. In what areas of your life has God called you to take action, but you have been anxious or hesitant to respond?
2. When have you have seen God use you for His glory?
3. Do you act on the understanding that God has equipped you to serve Him?