Matthew 10:9-15 - What Do Disciples Really Need?

 

What Do Disciples Really Need?

 

Matthew 10:9-15, The Message - “Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.

“When you enter a town or village, don’t insist on staying in a luxury inn. Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave.

“When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don’t welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgment Day they’ll be mighty sorry—but it’s no concern of yours now.

 

In today’s passage, Jesus continues in his instructions to the twelve disciples as He sends them on their first mission without Him.  In yesterday’s reflection, we talked about the target audience (lost sheep of Israel), the message (the Kingdom of Heaven is here), and their strategy (miraculous works).  In the passage for today, Jesus covers resources and an even sharper focus on how to spend their time and energy.  Let’s talk about resources first. 

Too many churches and too many Christians feel like they don’t have the resources to be faithful.  They see thriving ministries and/or impactful Christians making a difference with seemingly endless resources and they get discouraged about the meager resources they have.  Many even resign themselves to not engaging because of a feeling that it won’t make a difference. Hearing Christ’s instructions to his first disciples should cure us if this is the case with us.  Basically, Jesus says to them, “just you are enough” to be faithful and effective servants.”  It’s almost as if Jesus knows that having resources might even get in the way.  If you hear nothing else today, hear this; you are enough for service to God.  That thing or skill or resource you think you need to take the next step…you don’t need it.  You are enough.

Now about the focus.  On this, Jesus is just practical.  Spend your time and energy on folks who are receptive to your work.  Be gracious to all but when that grace is refused, quietly move on.  It can be tempting to try and convince unreceptive folk of your good intentions, but Jesus simply guides us to use the same energy on folks who seem to be ready for grace.  There are more of them than those “tough nuts to crack.”  I guessing we all need to heed this guidance sometimes.

 

Questions:  Have you disqualified yourself or delayed a decision to serve in some way because you are waiting for something to happen?  Think about the people you are attempting to serve these days. Do they seem receptive to your efforts?

 

Prayer:  Jesus, thank you for the way in which you have gifted and equipped me to serve you and others.  Help me rely on You and You alone for all that I need to be faithful. Amen.

 

Prayer Focus:  Pray for God to show you a new opportunity today.

 

Song:  One of my favorite hymns from one of my favorite people.  My brother-in-law  Terry is in a group called Pinder and Snow.  Enjoy!

Be Thou My Vision – Pinder and Snow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST_m5DMTNo4&list=PLdssianaWLlcBvaQXe5NHVzq8JgS7DFcT&index=12