THE JOURNEY
Matthew 10: Jesus called the twelve disciples together to give them instructions and send them out to evangelize. His instructions were for them to heal people, drive out evil spirits and proclaim the good news of salvation. In verses 5-6, He told them not to go to the Gentiles preaching, but to confine their areas to the Israeli’s: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.” The time of the Gentiles was not to be until the crucifixion. He also told them not to take any provisions for themselves because they would be provided for by the people in the towns they visited and if not, to leave those who would not provide for them. He warned them to be on guard against men for they would harm them, and if and when they were arrested not to worry about what to say for when the time comes for them to speak the Holy Spirit will give them the words to say.
In this chapter Jesus explains that family members will go against each other, even to the point of turning each other in to the authorities because of their belief in Him. He tells them not to be concerned because He is in complete control. He says in verse 28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather be afraid of the One who can destroy both body and soul in hell.” Jesus tells them that whoever acknowledges Him before men, He will do the same for them with His Father
Some who read this chapter might be confused about verses 34, 35 and 36 where it states that Jesus did not come into the world to bring peace; the actual meaning is that because of Him there would be turmoil; something I believe we can all understand. Telling a very religious person they don’t believe in the true God isn’t exactly a statement that will win friends and influence people. But this is exactly what Jesus and His disciples were up against every day. This problem still exists today and always will as some people look to their religious affiliations for comfort and salvation. Only Jesus can save you.
Jesus ends this chapter with the proclamation that any one receiving Him also receives the Father in verse 40: “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.” My friends, if there are any of you reading this letter that have yet to accept what Jesus says, I pray (daily) for you that you will see the light, that you will accept the fact that sin separates us from Him and that we are all sinners and only those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be united with Him in Heaven. I did a long time ago and all these years have provided me with the absolute assurance of my place in Heaven. Won’t you join me?
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