Matthew 10

The Call to Make Disciples: A Command, Not Just an Invitation

In Matthew 10, Jesus presents a profound call to those who bear His name—it's not merely an invitation, but a command. We are called to go and make disciples, heal the sick, cast out demons, and preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God. This isn’t just for the super-spiritual or the church leaders; if we call ourselves Christians, we are expected to do the same. There is no avoiding it. Jesus is clear: His followers are to live in obedience to this mission.

I find this both challenging and empowering. It challenges me to step out of my comfort zone and do what Jesus did. At the same time, it empowers me, knowing that I am not doing this alone. It’s the mission we are all called to, and we must encourage each other to step into it fully, trusting in His guidance and strength.

Living the Kingdom Message "As You Go"

A powerful part of Matthew 10 that resonates with me is in verse 7, where Jesus tells His disciples, "As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'" There’s a key phrase here: "As you go." This reminds me that the call to share the gospel and bring healing is not just for a specific time or place—it’s in the everyday moments of life.

Whether it’s preparing breakfast, folding laundry, or having a conversation with a friend, we are always on mission. The kingdom of heaven is near, not just when we're doing ministry but in the very fabric of our daily lives. Our task is to be open to God’s work in the ordinary moments, whether it’s a kind word, a prayer, or an intentional conversation that points others toward the Kingdom.

And here's the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. We’re all uniquely gifted and called to engage in this mission in different ways. Some may serve in formal ministry roles, others in the workplace, at school, or within their families. It’s about living out the kingdom wherever we are, in whatever way we are called to, as we go.

Expecting Hardship: The Reality of Following Jesus

Jesus doesn't sugarcoat the journey ahead. In verse 16, He warns His disciples: "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves." He’s not promising an easy ride. Instead, He prepares us for opposition. In our world today, the opposition might not look like being flogged in synagogues, but the voice of the world is loud and challenging. While we might not face physical persecution, standing firm in our faith can result in criticism, misunderstanding, or exclusion.

Yet, we are still called to boldly proclaim the truth. This is not an invitation to be harsh or unkind, but to be bold with conviction. When we go out, we need to be firm in our belief that the Kingdom of God is near, and that we are called to share this message. As we do, we can expect pushback, but we can also trust that the Holy Spirit will be with us, guiding our words and actions.

Ultimately, we are reminded that this journey is about more than just what happens here on earth. There is an eternal perspective at play. As Jesus reminds us in verses 28-31, we are not to fear those who can harm our bodies, but rather, we should focus on the eternal well-being of our souls. It’s not just about the physical realm, but the spiritual one. Our actions, our words, and our beliefs have an eternal impact, and that is what should drive us.

The Cost of Following Jesus

As we step out in faith, we need to be prepared for the cost. In verses 34-39, Jesus makes it clear that following Him is not always going to bring peace, even in our closest relationships. It may cause tension, as His truth can disrupt the status quo. Yet, He calls us to love Him above all else and to follow Him wholeheartedly, even when it’s difficult.

The invitation to follow Jesus is a call to surrender—not just in grand ways, but in the everyday, messy moments of life. As we engage in the mission, we will experience both growth and hardship. But we can take heart, knowing that we are never alone on this journey. God equips us, guides us, and strengthens us to walk it out.

So let’s embrace this call. Let’s be bold in our conviction, expect opposition, and trust that God will use us—right where we are—to bring His Kingdom to those around us.