[Unfortunately, the microphone died for a couple of minutes in the middle of this lessons, I have removed the dead time from the recording. -MRW]

Matthew 10

Matthew 10:1-4 – The twelve apostles

• Jesus gave them authority to work miracles. This did not make them immune to sin. It did not keep Peter from denying Christ. It did not keep Judas from betraying Christ.
• In describing these men, Matthew calls himself out as a tax collector.

Matthew 10:5-6 – Apostles sent to the Jews

• Why did Jesus direct them to only go to the Jews?
  • Matthew 15:24-28 – Jesus healed the lady’s daughter even though she was a Gentile.
  • Acts 1:8
  • Romans 1:16 – To the Jews first and also to the Greek. The gospel is for everyone!
  • Romans 2:9-10 – There would also be tribulation to all who dismissed the gospel.
  • Ephesians 2:11-12 – The Gentiles were formerly outside the camp.
  • Romans 15:8-12 – These are Old Testament passages. Gentiles were in the plan from the beginning.
  • Romans 11:28 – God loved Abraham and because of that, the gospel came to the Jews first.
  • Romans 4:16-17 – Abraham is considered by God to be the father of all who follow in his footsteps of faith.
  • Romans 11:11-12 – The gospel went to the Jews first and they were the first to reject it. Then it went to the Gentiles and it made the Jews jealous.
  • Luke 4:42-43 – Jesus only had so much time and He chose the most appropriate places to go.
  • Acts 13:46 – Paul said it was necessary that the Jews received the gospel first.

Matthew 10:7-8 – The message of the apostles

• The “kingdom of heaven” implies a ruler. Those in the kingdom subject themselves to the ruler.
• Matthew 7:21 – Those who do the will of God can enter the kingdom.
• Mark 12:32-34
• Daniel 7:27
• The king of heaven is coming, so you must repent and get in line!
• John 18:36 – Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world.
• Mark 9:1 – The kingdom of heaven was coming in their lifetime.
• Mark 1:15
• Mark 15:43 – Joseph of Arimathea was waiting for the kingdom of God.
• Daniel 2:44