Tag: Matthew 10:1
Day 3–Jesus Multiplied Workers!
Scripture reading: Matthew 10:1 “And He called to Him twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. . . .Vs 5: These twelve Jesus sent out. . .”
Jesus had Himself, with His disciples, gone out to all the cities and villages preaching the Good News and healing the sick. Jesus had called twelve disciples that He had selected and invited to be with Him and learn from Him. This was His Father’s plan to multiply workers who would help to bring the Good News of God’s love for hurting people. This chosen group of disciples would form the initial team of workers. They needed training in God’s way of loving and reaching out. They learned the way by following Jesus Christ as He modeled ministry for them. Jesus preached the Gospel of God’s kingdom, inviting all to repent and join the group. Only those who were willing to follow Jesus would be included.
Jesus gave authority to those who came under His teaching and responded to the Good News. They would not be lone rangers, but would be under God’s authority and instruction. They would use their delegated authority to help hurting people and bring deliverance and healing. God’s heart was not just expressed in the Gospel of repentance and faith, but came with power. God demonstrated His love by healing the diseased and afflicted and delivering those in bondage to sin or under Satan’s control.
As we look at our lives as first responders, we see many parallels to the discipleship process instituted by Jesus and God the Father. Those involved have had to willingly volunteer to come under authority of the department of government that we serve. We are then given authority to serve others. We study to learn the proper ways to help as taught by those in authority in our department. We are sent out, often in a team, to help those in need. The older teach the younger by example and supervised responses. When we complete an incident, we evaluate our processes and make corrections if needed.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for calling me to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Thank You for those You have provided to mentor me and correct me along the way. Thank You for Your calling to be a first responder and be a part of Your team to help hurting people. Amen.
Seek the lost sheep!
Scripture reading for July 29th: Joel, Matthew 10
Matthew 10: 1, 5-8 “And He called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. . . . These twelve Jesus sent out instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. An proclaim as you go, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.”
In response to their own praying to Father God for laborers to go into His harvest field, Jesus now instructs His twelve chosen disciples, including Judas, to go out to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. They were to go proclaiming the kingdom of heaven was at hand–now appearing in Christ and those who were His disciples. Not only that, they were given authority to heal all sickness and diseases and to cast out demons in demonstration of God’s kingdom authority and compassionate rule. They were especially sent to lost sheep–those Israelites in need of compassion and harassed by Satan and sickness and sin.
Matthew 10:40 “Whoever receives you receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him Who sent Me.”
Prayer: Father God, Your amazing mission of saving the lost sheep and using those You call and equip is dear to me. Thank You for those You used in my life to declare God’s kingdom and to minister healing and deliverance. Thank You that all benefits in the Kingdom are received by grace through faith–they can’t be bought or bargained for. I am in awe that though my witness, I represent You to lost people like the prophets of old and the disciples of our Lord!
Joel 2:12 “”Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and He relents over disaster.””
Faith to ask and receive!
Scripture reading for July 9th: Matthew 9
Key Scriptures: Matthew 9:27-30 “And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When He entered the house, the blind men came to Him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” But they went away and spread His fame through all that district.”
Jesus had taught often on prayer. He encouraged His followers to ask, seek, and knock. He also stated that they would receive, find and have doors opened. He encouraged persistence and belief. As Jesus passed by, two blind men heard He was near and began to cry out with loud voices. They addressed Jesus with a messianic title, ‘Son of David’, and asked for mercy. Even when Jesus passed them by and went into a house, they followed Him. Jesus asked them if they believed He was able to heal their eyes. They responded in the affirmative. Jesus took them at their words, and declared that they would have what they believed for. Their eyes were immediately opened! Ask and you will receive! Have faith to ask and then receive according to that same faith.
Matthew 9:20-22 “And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her He said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.””
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, I believe in You and in Your Word. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and simple trust to act when You present opportunities to believe and act on Your Word. Help me to ask in faith always and receive by faith always. To You be all glory and honor and praise!
Matthew 10:1 “And He called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.”