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A Multiplied Ministry

Text: Matthew 11 : 1 - 19

Jesus had completed instructing His disciples. They were sent forth to preach and teach, and together they shared a multiplied ministry. Jesus Himself continued to minister even after He sent out the Twelve Apostles. The work was too vast and the needs too many to relax.

“Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished
commanding His twelve disciples, that He
departed from there to teach and to preach
in their cities.”
Matthew 11:1

Jesus set the pace and example for His disciples. He too would do what He had sent them out to do. His focus would continue to be the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

HOW EFFECTIVE WERE THE DISCIPLES?

Matthew did not record the results of the work of the disciples. He probably assumed that the success of the disciples was so well known, he did not record it. The synoptist Mark noted the success of the disciples in his Gospel.

“And He called the twelve to Himself, and
began to send them out two by two, and gave
them power over unclean spirits…

So they went out and preached that people
should repent. And they cast out many demons,
and anointed with oil many who were sick, and
healed them.”
Mark 6:7, 12-13

The synoptist Luke also noted the success of the twelve in his Gospel.

“Then He called His twelve disciples together
and gave them power and authority over all
demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them
to preach the kingdom of God and to heal
the sick…

So they departed and went through the towns,
preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.”
Luke 9:1-2, 6

Matthew’s contribution was to record the set of instructions Jesus gave to the twelve. Mark and Luke did not write very much about what Jesus said to His disciples. When these three Gospels are studied together carefully, they presented a clearer composite picture. Hence these three works are usually known as the Synoptic Gospels.

SUCCESS IN MINISTRY

The success in ministry of the apostles proved a number of things. Let us ponder these thoughts.

1. With reference to Jesus

a) His authority confirmed

b) His power also confirmed

c) His training of the disciples was effective

d) His special word of instruction was not in vain

e) His insights and foresight stood the disciples in good stead

2. With reference to the Disciples

a) They had learned well

b) Their faith stood them in good stead

c) They grew further through their experience

d) They must have been really glad for the training they received

e) They acquitted themselves well as apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ!

THE SHIFT OF FOCUS TO JOHN THE BAPTIZER

We have an interesting shift of focus in Matthew’s Gospel. He devoted almost the entire eleventh chapter to the discussion of John the Baptizer. Where was this famous wilderness preacher all this time that Jesus was out there preaching, teaching and healing the multitudes? Let us take time to recall this text.

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been
put in prison…”
Matthew 4:12

John was languishing in jail because of his outspoken remarks against Herod (Cf. Matthew 14:1-5). Though he was incarcerated and thus had his public ministry curtailed significantly, he kept up with news concerning the Man whom he had introduced to the public as “The Lamb of God” (John 1:29). John must have felt a little disheartened that he remained in jail. Why had not the Messiah sent for him? He would have loved to serve with the Messiah! But he seemed to be all but forgotten in Herod’s jail. In this gloomy set of circumstances, John found his spirit somewhat adversely affected. John had lived all his life in the wilderness, in the open fields – roaming as he pleased. He was now dismally confined in a dungeon. Gloom had cast a very dark shadow on his very soul!