A Work in Progress Bible Commentary
By: Chip Crush

MATTHEW
CHAPTER 10

Matthew 9 concluded with Jesus telling His disciples to pray for laborers to enter the harvest field because of its ripeness. He was referring, of course, to missionaries to bless the people of the world with the good news. In chapter 10, Jesus calls His inner circle together, revealing to us the 12 disciples, and He gives them instructions for laboring in the harvest field. It’s a lengthy monologue by our Lord, and so we do well to heed His lessons.

1) V1-4 – 1He called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 2These 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; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.

Most likely, Jesus had thousands of fans, many of whom followed Him at times but more often minded their own business. There was also a group of some 72 individuals (Luke 10) that were considered to be more faithful in their pursuit of knowing God through following Jesus. But here we meet the select group of 12 dedicated followers – later known as apostles (sent ones), though here called disciples (followers). Jesus “gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness” (v1). Jesus could give this kind of authority because He had it to start with; no authority could be granted where none previously existed, but as the Son of God, Jesus Himself declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18; cf. Daniel 7:14; Luke 4:6; John 2:18; 17:2; Ephesians 1:21; Jude 1:25).

While entire biographies have been produced on each of the twelve disciples, we simply want to note their names along with a few additional remarks. Simon and his brother Andrew are usually named first, and it seems that Andrew was actually the first, for he went and told his brother to come and see Jesus. Simon, who would later be named Peter, which means “Rock” (though his personality and famous denials of Christ reveal that he wasn’t much of a rock at first), is perhaps the most famous disciple, for we learn the most about him through the many stories involving his flamboyant personality. We also see in the Book of Acts that Peter stepped forward as the rock, as the leader of the early church in the first years after Jesus’ ascension. Next we met another set of brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, also called the sons of thunder, perhaps for their personalities. James was likely the older of the two, and he also led the early church and is recognized for being both the first of the twelve disciples to be martyred (thrown from the top of the Temple and stoned to death) as well as a quiet member of Jesus’ innermost circle of friends, which consisted of Peter, James, and John. John is perhaps as well known as Peter; he was not only the youngest disciple of Jesus, but also the disciple known simply as “the one Jesus loved.” John was perhaps Jesus’ closest friend on earth, and he was blessed to live a long life as the only disciple not to experience a martyr’s death. John also wrote a gospel, 3 letters bearing his name, and the famous Scriptural finale – Revelation.

Philip and Bartholomew are mentioned together (as always) next in the list of the Twelve. Philip (and presumably Bartholomew) shared the hometown – Bethsaida – of Peter and Andrew, and he is credited with inviting Bartholomew – called Nathanael exclusively in John’s gospel and Bartholomew in the synoptics – with coming to Christ. All of our vignettes regarding Philip and Nathanael come from John’s gospel, and both have some moments of sharing the spotlight in the history of Jesus’ ministry. Nathanael (Bartholomew) is famous for being the one who sarcastically asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” only to shortly thereafter be the first to declare Jesus’ identity as Son of God and King of Israel. Philip finds himself receiving direct instruction from Jesus regarding feeding the crowd (John 6:6-7) and Jesus’ identity being one with the Father (John 14:8-9). Philip also shares similarity with Andrew, as both of them seem to have had a knack for being liaisons between Jesus and others (John 12:21-22, for example).

Thomas and Matthew are mentioned next, though Matthew’s gospel has already revealed his own calling as a tax collector and its aftermath linking Pharisee ridicule at Jesus’ eating with sinners (Matthew 9:9-13). He followed Jesus immediately, leaving everything behind. Thomas, also called Didymus, is best known, of course, for his doubting the resurrection and subsequent confession of Jesus’ divinity and Lordship (John 20:24-29). But Thomas was, like Peter, inconsistent; he was at times willing to die alongside Jesus (John 11:16), while at other times, Thomas questioned Jesus’ instruction because of his own uncertainty (John 14:5).

James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot are mentioned near the end of the list, and little is known about them. James is usually called “James the less,” since James the brother of John was greater – more renowned. Thaddeus is also called Judas (John 14:22), and there is certainly difficulty identifying him. Some scholars think he is actually the half brother of Jesus who wrote the Book of Jude. Others suggest he is not that man, but another Judas who later welcomed the name Thaddeus, so as not to be confused with Judas Iscariot. The second Simon among the Twelve is perhaps the most mysterious figure of all of the disciples. He is called “the Zealot,” which refers in all likelihood to his membership in the political party bearing that name. Contrary to Pharisees, who tried to live distinctly from the Romans, contrary to the Sadducees, who tried joining the Romans, and contrary to the Essenes, who tried fleeing from the Romans, the Zealots tried to kill the Romans, as well as any prominent Jews who seemed to be partnering with the Romans! The Zealots were the first terrorists, if you will, and Jesus brought Simon the Zealot into His fold of twelve closest followers.

Finally, Judas Iscariot is mentioned last, with the reminder that he was the one who betrayed Jesus. We are told a great deal about Judas throughout Scripture; his character, both before and after betraying Jesus, is revealed throughout the New Testament. He is mentioned – though not by name – in the Old Testament in prophetic foreshadowing that revealed his role in God’s plan. Some despise him for his treachery, while others are remorseful, having pity on Judas – even to the point of thinking God unjust – for his being doomed to destruction (John 17:12). In the end, Judas participated in the ministry of Jesus for several years, and, though he helped himself to the money they accumulated, Jesus genuinely considered him a friend. After his departure / suicide, the remaining apostles concluded that Judas left to go where he belongs (Acts 1:25).

2) V5-20 – 5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep. 11Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. 12As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

The rest of this chapter is a monologue of Jesus, whereby He instructs the Twelve on their upcoming mission trip. Jesus sent them out to the Jews, not to the Gentiles or Samaritans (v5-6). They were to preach a simple message: “The kingdom of heaven is near” (v7). They were to do good deeds – healing the sick, bringing the dead back to life, cleansing lepers, and driving out demons. And their motive for engaging in such acts of mercy and service was this: “Freely you have received, freely give” (v8). Jesus told them not to take anything extra (money, clothes, etc.) along the way, but to rely on “worthy” people to provide food and shelter as they travel (v9-11). How would they know who was worthy? V12-14 explain.

When the disciples greeted a home-owner, they would be able to tell if they were welcome by the reply of the owner. A warm greeting meant the home was “deserving,” and the disciples were to relax in peace. But a cold greeting would reveal that they should not stay but rather move on. Furthermore, if the response was more than cold – harsh or hostile – then the disciples should depart, shaking the dust of their feet toward that home or village. It was likely that some entire villages lacked a hospitable neighbor! Jesus then explained that severe judgment – more than what Sodom and Gomorrah received – will befall the town that doesn’t show hospitality to the gospel (v15).

In v16-20, Jesus gives further instructions, explaining that the disciples needed to be very wise with their words and actions (“as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves”), because He was sending them into hostile territory, “like sheep among wolves” (v16-17). He revealed that they would be arrested on account of Jesus and the gospel and brought before Gentiles for the opportunity to witness to them (v18-19). In those moments, they would need “not worry about what to say or how to say it” to the governors or regional kings, because the Holy Spirit would intercede and speak through them (v19-20). This is some heavy instruction! And it’s not done yet! But the disciples had seen Jesus do these very same things repeatedly, and now He was giving them a trial run at doing the same thing He had been doing. He was making disciples who would make disciples. And He’s still doing the same thing today!

One more note before moving on. As I write this commentary, I have taken one overseas mission trip, and it was purely evangelism in purpose. We were sent out into the towns of Crimea in southern Ukraine, to ask people if they were certain about being in heaven when they died. Many mocked us, and we moved on to others. But so many others were ripe unto harvest! So many received the good news and prayed with us and welcomed us. There were many occasions that we didn’t know what to say, but the Holy Spirit was moving and speaking through us, and the words that came out were perfectly what the people listening needed to hear. My Ukraine experience confirmed the truth of this passage of Scripture, and if you have never been so bold as to share your faith in this manner, may you find prayerful courage to do so today.

3) V21-31 – 21“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22All men will hate you because of Me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household! 26So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Jesus continues His instruction before sending out the disciples. He is realistic, explaining that families will be torn apart – even to death! – over the gospel message (v21), and that the preachers of the message will be hated because of Jesus. This is not an easy task because of the persecution that comes upon the preachers and because of the destruction that is caused within families by the message of the preacher. But it is the task of Jesus for His followers; for the gospel is the power of God for salvation. And “he who stands firm to the end will be saved” (v22). Jesus instructs His disciples to flee persecution (v23); don’t invite it (that’s where the “innocent as doves” lesson is especially applicable)! Jesus’ final remark in v23b is interesting; He says to His disciples, “You will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” This statement by our Lord requires further examination:

One author notes, “Albert Schweitzer contended that Jesus believed the end of time would take place in His day, and thus the apostles would not get their mission accomplished before He came. He alleged that Christ was wrong in His prediction. The theory is based upon no substantial evidence, is an insult to the Son of God, and reflects a complete abandonment of respect for the inspiration of the Scriptures.” The same author offers another perspective: “In effect, Christ was saying this to His disciples. ‘You will not have finished your preaching in the cities of Israel until I come, that is, until I catch up with you.’ In a word: ‘Hold on, men, I’m coming.’ This view is a real stretch.” Again, the author offers this thought: “Another view, with somewhat stronger support (but not one of which we are persuaded) is that the ‘coming’ of Matthew 10:23 has to do with the inauguration of the kingdom of Christ on the day of Pentecost (Cottrell). In favor of this position is the fact that there is a sense in which the arrival of the kingdom was a ‘coming’ of the Lord, that is, He came representatively, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (cf. John 14:18), and in the manifestation of His regime.” The final suggestion for this author is as follows: “The most compelling position is that argued by numerous respectable scholars namely that the ‘coming’ event of Matthew 10:23 is the Roman invasion of Palestine, which occurred in AD 66-70.”

In the end, the author goes on to explain in lengthy fashion why He holds such a view, and his list of reasons is Scriptural and compelling. How literal do we take Jesus’ statement? Could the disciples have shared the gospel in every town in Israel prior to 70 AD? Did they do so? With uncertainty surrounding answers to these questions, I have a slightly different explanation of Jesus’ statement. Perhaps it could mean that the disciples won’t finish with this assignment before Jesus is known in a much more public fashion. So far, Jesus’ ministry has been growing quickly, but He still doesn’t have the full attention of the Jewish leadership, nor is He noticed at all by the Roman leadership (apart from the occasional centurion). And He has wanted it that way! He has been telling those He heals not to spread the news. But soon, within the next year or two, Jesus will be a fully prominent figure in religious and political spheres, and He won’t try to hide it anymore. In that sense, the Son of Man will have come on the scene. And His death and resurrection are also only months away, which could likewise be seen as His coming. The disciples would not have likely visited all the towns in Israel with the gospel message by that time.

Moving on, Jesus offers an analogy in v24 –25 as to the reason the disciples will be hated for their efforts. “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” In other words, if Jesus is hated for so-called blasphemy or perceived arrogance, then the disciples of Jesus will certainly be hated for the same reasons. Jesus will say it later, “Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; but whoever rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me” (Luke 10:16). And Paul will say, “Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you His Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 4:8). Since this is true, Jesus says, “Do not be afraid of them” (v26). Don’t be afraid when you are rejected, because the truth, which you well know, will be revealed in due time (v26-27). Even if you are persecuted unto death, do not be afraid. Those who hurt you physically cannot harm your very soul, the essence of your being, which belongs to God. Instead of fearing those who reject and persecute you as the messenger of God and disciple of Jesus, you should rightly continue to fear God Himself, for He alone has the power to “destroy both soul and body in hell” (v28).

Jesus is saying, “Make sure you have the right perspective about the task I’m giving you. Don’t fear the people you are going to speak to; rather, fear the One who sends you to speak, for He is the One with the power and control. Honor Him by obedience, irregardless of what happens as the consequence.” And that’s a message we all need to do a better job at understanding and applying in our lives. The final element of this part of Jesus’ instruction takes away some of the fear of God and turns the focus on the love of God. Jesus reminds the disciples (and us) that we are valuable in the hands of a sovereign God. Nothing is outside of His control, even the things of little value (sparrows); how much more in His control, then, are you who “are worthy more than many sparrows” (v29-31). If God knows how many hairs you have on your head, then He will guard and guide and protect and prosper you as you serve Him.

4) V32-42 – 32“Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven. 34Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – 36a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household’ [Micah 7:6]. 37Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; 38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 40He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. 41Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. 42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

With the heat of “fear of God” lessons subsiding for a moment in v29-31, Jesus comes right back to it in v32-39. Jesus says He will acknowledge those who acknowledge Him before God when the time comes for judgment (v32); that’s good! But for those who “disown” Jesus here and now, Jesus threatens to “disown” them before God in heaven at the time of judgment (v33); that’s scary! Jesus says it in another way, just so we don’t get to comfortable in His presence, just so we don’t relax too much just yet; “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (v34). He quotes Micah 7:6 in v35-36, reminding us that His ministry and message will tear families apart – and that might even include our own families (v37)! Jesus might ask us to serve Him and believe in Him at the expense of alienating our fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and in-laws. Many of us know what that means from a perspective of experience. We believe, but our siblings don’t; or maybe we believe and have given our lives to serve God for the advancement of His kingdom, and our parents just can’t support us in that, because they don’t believe. It’s painful, and it seems to cause more and more pain, and the divide grows – by the Spirit we become more like Christ and they in their flesh fall farther into the ways of the world. Jesus says that’s what happens with the gospel. It’s our calling; it’s His plan. Will we obey Him? Will we praise Him? If not, then we are not worthy of Him (v37). Our cross may be described it that way; we will take it up daily and follow Jesus? If not, then we are not worthy (v38).

Just as with His teaching in the Beatitudes, Jesus may want us to see our unworthiness here and exhibit genuine humility and repentance in response. If we find our life in this world, then we’ve lost it (v39), but if we give up our world and our lives in this world for His sake (in obedience to the calling of the gospel, in the obedience of faith – even at the expense of our families), then we find life in Him and with Him and through Him forever (v39). Earlier, I noted a quote from Luke 10:16 regarding those who reject you are actually rejecting Jesus. Here in Matthew 10:40, it’s the flipside. “He who receives you receive Me” and therefore “the One who sent Me.” Jesus eases from the difficult teaching, allowing His disciples to breath and see the blessing of the work He is calling them (and us) to do. We serve for Him and His glory. And it is glorious. How could we not want to see people reborn by the Spirit to live a new life in Christ? The reward is joy, and the joy is great.

Jesus concludes His instruction in v41-42, and some commentators suggest that He’s now speaking to a larger crowd that had gathered as He finished up speaking specifically to the disciples. In other words, Jesus speaks to “you” – the disciples – in v40 and then transitions to a general audience in v41, saying the same thing as v40, but with a much broader scope, receiving prophets and righteous people and receiving corresponding rewards. His final motivating remark in v42 may be best understood with the audience context in mind: “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

While it’s true that Jesus asks for all of us – along with everything we have – to be put into action for serving Him, He realizes that we don’t have much to offer. Perhaps the larger audience beyond the twelve disciples isn’t being sent to preach to the towns of Israel. Maybe their calling, and perhaps yours, is merely to care for the Body of Christ in a tangible way. Can we give somebody who happens to be a follower of Christ a drink of water in Jesus’ name? Sure we can. Anybody, even the poorest of the poor, can give a drink of water. But do we? Are we willing to support the Body of Christ? Are we willing to provide a place to rest and be refreshed for “these little ones” – the disciples are weak and naïve, like children. Help them!


Bible text from Gospelcom.net.  Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

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