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Matthew

Matthew 
Day 
Day 140

Patterned after Jesus' Ministry

Text: Matthew 10 : 1- 8

What would the ministry of the apostles be like? Would it surprise anyone if we note that their ministry was patterned after that of their Master?

“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom
of heaven is at hand.'”
Matthew 10:7

Let us recall what Matthew wrote earlier in his Gospel, with reference to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.

“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say,
‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”
Matthew 4:17

THE FOCUS ON PREACHING

It is not without significance that Jesus mentioned the ministry of preaching above all the other activities that they could explore. The primacy of preaching the kingdom of God was impressed upon the disciples! Let us ponder over the reasons why there is this emphasis.

The disciples were greatly empowered! They would have power over demons and diseases. Yet the emphasis was a Word-centered ministry! Let us ponder why this was emphasized.

1. Upholding the Scriptures

Just as Jesus declared that He had not come to destroy the Law and the prophets, so the disciples must learn to honour and uphold the Scriptures. Theirs was to learn how to proclaim the Law and the Prophets as skilfully as their Teacher. They must ever seek to walk in obedience to the Scriptures.

2. Establishing the Primacy of the Scriptures

The role of the Scriptures had already been taught and emphasized by Moses (Cf. Deuteronomy 5-12, 29-30). The disciples were to learn through practice that they must continue in the same tradition of the Biblical servants of God.

Few things were as important as teaching the Word of God. Life, faith, practices must all be drawn from the Word of God. The mess that was in Israel was a consequence of not paying proper attention to the study of God’s Word.

3. Biblical evangelism

The preaching of the Gospel was the main means of reaching out to people. When people respond to God through the preaching of the Gospel, their response may be even more significant than when they have experienced a special miracle from the Lord. Many may speak of having faith in God after having been healed. But if they had not been healed, would they have believed in God at all?

4. Challenge to know the Scriptures better

The disciples would now realize that they had to know the Scriptures very well indeed. They were supposed to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven was near. That would imply that:-

a) They would have to know much about the doctrine of the kingdom of God.

b) They would also have to know how to teach the doctrine of repentance.

c) They must be conversant in discussing God’s plan of salvation.

5. A prelude to a great teaching ministry

Ultimately, the disciples would have to appreciate that a major part of their overall ministry would involve the proclamation and teaching of the Scriptures. It was wise of Jesus to emphasise the preaching of the Gospel as the disciples were sent out to minister.

THE BACK-UP MINISTRIES

How should we understand the next word that Jesus gave to His disciples?

“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the
dead, cast out demons.”
Matthew 10:8

We need to read this text in the light of how Jesus ministered. Let us recall some of the lessons Jesus sought to teach His disciples. Three things may be highlighted:

1. Emphasis on the Word of God (Cf. Matthew 5-7)

This needs little or no elaboration at all. The preaching of the Word of God was predominant in Jesus’ ministry.

2. Ministry involving miracles was not to be overly emphasized (Cf. Matthew 9:30)

Though Jesus healed many, His emphasis was NEVER on the healing ministry. His command to people healed may be said to be found in these words spoken to two blind men who were healed.

“See that no one knows it.”
Matthew 9:30

3. As back-up ministries

How should we understand this idea of a “back-up” ministry?

a) Acts of compassionate mercy

This describes why Jesus healed as He did. But this was never “center-stage”.

b) Acts of confrontation

Demons will resist and defy! Only authority and power can overcome them! However, the focus of ministry is certainly NOT exorcism.