Where Does True Authority Come From? - Matthew 10

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

10 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[a] drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Chapter 10 marks a huge transition in the book of Matthew.  The story goes from Jesus' public preaching, teaching and miracles to the calling and sending out of the 12 apostles.  Jesus first calls them "apostles" in addition to being called his "disciples".  "Apostle" means someone who is "sent out" or is a "messenger".  Most importantly the twelve were given authority to do the things that Jesus did.  Authority is the right to execute power.  They were given power and authority over, "impure spirits, disease and sickness".  Some might say these three are related, but the point is the apostles now have access to a supernatural and spiritual power they didn't have before. 

As we look at the twelve apostles we see tons of diversity and a common theme that these were ordinary men from humble means.  Now they were given extraordinary power to continue the movement Jesus started.  Remember the theme of the Jesus movement is "repent for the kingdom of God has drawn near".  Jesus has shown what God's kingdom looks like in his private and public ministry.  God's kingdom brings healing or "salvation" of all kinds; physical, emotional and spiritual.  Most of all God's kingdom draws people near to God's unconditional and saving love.  Jesus' mission was to draw all people to the Father's love for God desired all people to be saved. 

You will see two other themes here. One, they were sent out first to the lost sheep of Israel.  They were to reach out to their fellow Jews with this message of the Good News of the Messiah which was being fulfilled in Jesus  It also presupposes that this gospel will also be preached to the Gentiles.  

Jesus ominously says, "if they hated me they will hate you." Jesus knew his persecution was drawing near and predicts the apostles will receive the same treatment.  This is confirmed in the book of Acts and early church history to this day. This chapter contanis many VERY challenging statements by Jesus reminding us that following Jesus will not always be easy.  

What does this mean for us?  The same mission Jesus started and handed off to the 12 apostles has been passed on to us today.  We have both an opportunity and a challenge.  We have the opportunity to do the things Jesus did.  Do you believe that?  Do you believe your prayer could bring healing to someone?  

We are also challenged when Jesus tells us to take up our cross and follow him.  What cross are you bearing or have you had to bear?  How has it transformed you to be more like Jesus and more reliant on His power.  Friends we have the opportunity of a lifetime.  We are called and sent in Jesus' name.  We are his modern day messengers and ambassadors.  Jesus uses ordinary people like you and me to show the world God's love and purpose for them!