Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. —Matthew 10:1 (NLT)
Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions… —Matthew 10:5 (NLT)
3 Things The Apostles Would Share:
1. The
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” —Matthew 9:36-38 (NLT)
Go… only to the people of Israel— God’s lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! —Matthew 10:5-8 (NLT)
If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. —Matthew 10:14 (NLT)
2. The
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. —Matthew 10:22-23 (NLT)
Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. —Matthew 10:16-18 (NLT)
3. The
When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking— it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. —Matthew 10:19-20 (NLT)
Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. —Matthew 10:28 (NLT)
The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me… But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News… And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen. —2 Timothy 4:16-18 (NLT)
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” —Acts 7:55-56 (NLT)
Follow Through Step:
Spend some time this week reflecting on what it means to be a conduit or Jesus’ compassion. How have you seen the offense of Jesus being shared by His followers? What are you going to do about it?