Matthew 10

What a job description. Jesus called the disciples a couple of chapters ago, and now he tells them what their lives will be like. You will be homeless, penniless, frequently unwelcome, flogged (in the synagogue!), betrayed by your family, and generally persecuted. Well, sign me up! It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure! Like I mentioned in my chapter 4 post, I am impressed with these men who took on a future like that, and kept with it when the persecution happened.

Among the first commands He gave were to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. All tasks that we just read about Him doing. Matthew has shown us how to live by using Jesus as our example. We face temptation, Jesus faced temptation. We don’t know how to pray, Jesus gave us a prayer template. We have trouble following the Old Testament law, Jesus gives us a new approach to Christian action. We wonder how to minister to others, Jesus shows us where to meet the needs of people. Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect - be perfect like Jesus.

Jesus told His disciples that persecution would come their way. After telling them this he also announces the presence of a comforter. They will face trouble but they can handle it. I believe that other than the dove at Jesus’ baptism, here is the first appearance of the Holy Spirit(v. 20).

Take up your cross and follow me. What significance did Jesus' mentioning the cross have to the disciples? Did they have any inkling of what the future held for their teacher? Did they know He was going to die that way? Did they realize that soon He was going to take up His cross for them?