Empowered for the Urgent Mission of the Kingdom
Summary
In today's exploration of Matthew 10, we delve into the profound mission that Jesus entrusted to His disciples and, by extension, to us. This mission is not merely a task but a divine calling to carry the message of the kingdom to the world. Jesus, our true King, has come and given us His authority and power to fulfill this mission. As we embark on this journey through Matthew chapters 10 to 12, we are reminded that we are sent with Christ's authority to proclaim the kingdom of heaven.
The passage begins with Jesus summoning His twelve disciples, granting them authority over unclean spirits and the power to heal every disease and sickness. This authority is not just for the apostles but extends to all believers, empowering us to carry out the mission of the kingdom. Jesus instructs His disciples to go to the lost sheep of Israel, proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven has come near. This message is not just for the apostles but for all of us who follow Christ. We are called to share the gospel with urgency and compassion, knowing that the lost are like sheep without a shepherd.
The mission Jesus gives us is not one of mere words but of power. We are sent with the authority of King Jesus, equipped to heal, restore, and bring life through the gospel. This power is not our own but comes from the Spirit of God working in us. We are reminded that the gospel is the power of God for salvation, and we must boldly proclaim it without fear or hesitation.
As we carry out this mission, we must also be prepared for rejection. Jesus warns that those who reject the gospel are not rejecting us but Him. This rejection carries eternal consequences, and we must approach our mission with the urgency it demands. The stakes are high, and the time is now to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, we are called to be faithful to the mission of the kingdom. We have been given authority, power, and a message that saves. Let us step into this calling with boldness and compassion, knowing that we are sent by the King Himself.
Key Takeaways:
1. Authority of the King: Jesus grants us His authority to carry out the mission of the kingdom. This authority empowers us to proclaim the gospel and bring healing and restoration to the lost. We are not sent alone but with the backing of the King Himself. [54:34]
2. Power of the Gospel: The gospel is the power of God for salvation. It is not our eloquence or abilities that save, but the power of the gospel working through us. We must boldly proclaim this message, trusting in its power to transform lives. [01:05:49]
3. Urgency of the Mission: The mission of the kingdom is urgent. The lost are like sheep without a shepherd, and we must approach our task with the urgency it demands. We cannot delay in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. [01:17:05]
4. Rejection and Judgment: Those who reject the gospel are not rejecting us but Jesus. This rejection carries eternal consequences, and we must be prepared for it. Our task is to faithfully carry the message, knowing that the King will judge those who reject Him. [01:21:24]
5. Faithfulness to the Mission: We are called to be faithful to the mission of the kingdom. We have been given authority, power, and a message that saves. Let us step into this calling with boldness and compassion, knowing that we are sent by the King Himself. [01:12:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:00] - Introduction to Matthew 10
- [00:03:00] - The Authority of Jesus
- [00:06:00] - The Mission to the Lost
- [00:10:00] - Proclaiming the Kingdom
- [00:15:00] - Empowered by the Spirit
- [00:20:00] - The Urgency of the Gospel
- [00:25:00] - Facing Rejection
- [00:30:00] - The Consequences of Rejection
- [00:35:00] - Faithfulness in Mission
- [00:40:00] - The Power of the Gospel
- [00:45:00] - Encouragement to Share Boldly
- [00:50:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflections
- [00:55:00] - Announcements and Membership Encouragement
- [01:00:00] - Worship Through Giving
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 10:1-15
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific authority did Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 10:1, and how does this relate to the mission they were sent on? [54:34]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus instructing the disciples to go to the "lost sheep of Israel" first? [54:34]
3. How does the sermon describe the power of the gospel in relation to the authority given by Jesus? [01:05:49]
4. What are the consequences mentioned in the sermon for those who reject the gospel message? [01:17:05]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the authority given by Jesus to His disciples in Matthew 10:1-15 empower believers today to carry out the mission of the kingdom? [54:34]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the mission of sharing the gospel is urgent, and how should this urgency affect a believer's actions? [01:17:05]
3. The sermon mentions that rejection of the gospel is not a personal rejection but a rejection of Jesus. How should this understanding influence a believer's approach to evangelism? [01:21:24]
4. How does the sermon explain the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to proclaim the gospel with boldness? [01:05:49]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt hesitant to share the gospel. What specific fears or concerns held you back, and how can you overcome them knowing you have the authority of King Jesus? [01:12:30]
2. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of the mission. Identify one person in your life who is like a "sheep without a shepherd." What steps can you take this week to share the gospel with them? [01:17:05]
3. How can you prepare yourself to face rejection when sharing the gospel, and what practical steps can you take to remind yourself that the rejection is not personal but directed towards Jesus? [01:21:24]
4. The sermon highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives. Can you think of a situation where you witnessed this transformation? How did it impact your faith and willingness to share the gospel? [01:05:49]
5. Consider the authority and power given to you as a believer. How can you use this authority to bring healing and restoration in your community or workplace this week? [54:34]
6. The sermon calls for faithfulness to the mission. What specific actions can you take to ensure you are actively participating in the mission of the kingdom in your daily life? [01:21:24]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the eternal consequences of rejecting the gospel. How does this perspective change the way you view your role in sharing the gospel with others? [01:17:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Authority Granted by the King
Jesus has granted His followers authority to carry out the mission of the kingdom. This authority is not just a symbolic gesture but a real empowerment to proclaim the gospel, heal, and restore. As believers, we are not sent out alone; we are backed by the authority of Jesus Himself. This means that when we speak, act, and minister, we do so with the power and presence of the King. This authority is a reminder that our mission is not of our own making but is divinely ordained and supported. We are called to step into this role with confidence, knowing that the King has equipped us for the task. [54:34]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
Reflection: In what specific ways can you exercise the authority given to you by Jesus in your daily interactions and ministry opportunities this week?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The gospel is not just a message; it is the power of God for salvation. This power does not rely on our eloquence or abilities but on the inherent strength of the gospel itself. As we share the good news, we must trust in its ability to transform lives, knowing that it is God who works through us. The gospel brings healing, restoration, and life, and we are merely vessels through which this power flows. Our role is to boldly proclaim this message, confident in its divine power to change hearts and lives. [01:05:49]
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily of the power of the gospel, especially when you feel inadequate or discouraged in sharing your faith?
Day 3: Urgency in the Mission
The mission of the kingdom is urgent, and we are called to approach it with the seriousness it demands. The lost are like sheep without a shepherd, and the time to act is now. We cannot afford to delay in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. This urgency is not about rushing or being frantic but about recognizing the eternal significance of our mission. We are called to be diligent and proactive, understanding that the stakes are high and the opportunity to share the gospel is precious. [01:17:05]
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to share the gospel with someone in your life who does not yet know Jesus?
Day 4: Facing Rejection with Resolve
Rejection is an inevitable part of sharing the gospel, but it is important to remember that those who reject the message are not rejecting us but Jesus. This rejection carries eternal consequences, and we must be prepared to face it with resolve and compassion. Our task is to faithfully carry the message, knowing that the King will judge those who reject Him. We are called to be steadfast and unwavering, trusting that our efforts are not in vain and that God is at work even in the face of rejection. [01:21:24]
John 15:18-19 (ESV): "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."
Reflection: How can you prepare your heart to respond with love and grace when you face rejection for sharing your faith?
Day 5: Faithfulness to the Kingdom Mission
We are called to be faithful to the mission of the kingdom, equipped with authority, power, and a message that saves. This faithfulness requires boldness and compassion as we step into our calling, knowing that we are sent by the King Himself. Our commitment to the mission is not dependent on circumstances or outcomes but on our allegiance to Jesus. As we remain faithful, we trust that God will use our efforts to advance His kingdom and bring glory to His name. [01:12:30]
1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV): "Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a heart of faithfulness to the mission of the kingdom, regardless of the challenges you may face?
Quotes
"Summoning his 12 disciples, he gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out to heal every disease and sickness." [00:48:54] (10 seconds)
"As you go, proclaim the kingdom of heaven has come near. Heal the sick. Raise the dead. Cleanse those with leprosy. Drive out demons. Freely you received, freely give." [00:49:42] (15 seconds)
"The lost are out there. They're harassed and helpless. They're like sheep without a shepherd. And Jesus is sending us to fulfill his mission, his message. Friends, we don't have to wait for a better moment in life or things to get in our lives all together. We don't have to wait for a cape or something else to help us feel like we can accomplish this. We have the authority, power, and blessing of King Jesus." [00:54:16] (32 seconds)
"When Jesus went recruiting, he did not go to the top of the draft. He did not get the best and the brightest among them, so to speak. He did not go to the upper class, the over-educated. He went to those who God would say and people would say, only by the grace of God and his power would they do the work that they did." [00:58:51] (25 seconds)
"This is a powerful message of the kingdom. And with this, that authority, we are set with both the power of God, a powerful message to save, and knowing that God has chosen us with his authority to go. Friends, imagine on the scene of an accident that an EMT arrives at the scene and a doctor, a highly vetted doctor comes and says, This person we know has this problem." [01:00:44] (35 seconds)
"Would that EMT stop and survey the crowd to see if he should go along with it? No. He would administer the medicine because the authority given to him by this doctor to know that it would work. Friends, in the same way that Jesus did with his disciples, he gave them the authority, the message of his life to deliver it, knowing that proclaiming the gospel, people will be saved." [01:01:26] (31 seconds)
"We have the power of the gospel that impacts lives for their good. As Jesus commissioned the apostles, what do we see here? In verse 8, he says, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you receive, freely give. Don't acquire gold, silver, copper in your money belts." [01:04:43] (21 seconds)
"Jesus says that those who follow will be able to do even more amazing things. What more amazing things that you could sit down in a coffee shop and share the gospel and someone who is sitting across from you can become who was your enemy and going down a road of sin and destruction miraculously comes your brother and sister in Christ." [01:10:01] (25 seconds)
"Jesus says, go and raise the dead. While we might not see somebody come up out of the casket, we will someone walk from dead to life, to eternal life. Go to those who are outside the kingdom or despised. Go to the lepers, he said. Go to those who are dirty, those who are demon-possessed. God is saying, go to those who need the gospel and when you go, the power of the gospel goes with you." [01:10:24] (29 seconds)
"Jesus says here at the end in this hospitable culture that the disciples would go to the towns and in the towns, people would welcome them and some of them are going to welcome them and say peace. You say, give peace to them. If they welcomed you in peace, you'd be peace to them. But he said, if they don't reject them, shake off the dust or the sand from your sandals or dust from your sandals because judgment will be worse for them than even Sodom and Gomorrah." [01:13:42] (29 seconds)
"Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter 13, therefore, just as the weeds are gathered, he'd use this in a parable, just as the weeds are gathered and burned in the fire, so will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels. They will gather from his kingdom all who call sin and those guilty of lawlessness. They will throw them in the blazing furnace where they will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." [01:16:12] (27 seconds)
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