Departing and Going

N.T. #117 "Departing and Going"

July 27, 2023

Matthew 11

LET IT GLOW

Well, it is good to be back home. We had a fantastic time, seeing our second grandson become an eagle scout, graduate from high school, and spending time with our two children an all their children. Thank you for being patient as I didn't take my laptop with me on our trip.

As we left chapter 10, we read the instructions which Jesus gave His disciples in spreading the Good News through Israel. The kingdom of God is at hand. (10:7) They were sent out to preach, perform miracles, and proclaim the coming kingdom. Jesus gave His disciples the authority over wicked spirits, the ability to heal diseases, and even the power to raise the dead, all on His behalf. (10:1,8) 

Fame of the coming King Jesus spread far and wide. Jesus was really the long- expected Messiah. When Jesus finished giving instructions, what did He do? Certainly, He did not retire.

He departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. (verse 1b)

Are we sharing the gospel wherever we go?

Are we departing from our usual tasks and going to share Jesus?

LET IT GROW

The word which is used in the Greek for Jesus commanding His men means to arrange thoroughly; institute; appoint; order; ordain.

For special uses of this word refers to:

1. a military command. Jesus sent His commanders out on a campaign, briefing them before they went.
2. calling one's friends to one's help. Jesus was like a man with a great ideal summoning His friends to make that ideal come true.
3. a teacher giving rules and precepts to His student. Jesus was like a teacher sending His students out into the world, equipped with His teaching and His message.
4. an imperial command. Jesus was like a king dispatching His ambassadors into the world to carry out His orders and to speak for Him.

We noted that Jesus forbade the twelve to go to the Gentiles or to the Samaritans. Paul did that later. It was not a permanent command, but Jesus desired the Jews be given the Gospel first. The disciples did not have the background, knowledge, nor technique to preach to the Gentiles. 

Repentance and faith prepare people for the blessings of the kingdom of heaven, which Christ gives. We are not told the specifics of Jesus message after the disciples departed. Probably it was the same message as the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew Henry)

LET IT GO

Where would we be if it wasn't for the love of God?

 If it wasn't for those who preached and taught salvation through Jesus Christ, where would we be?

 He can set you free, dear one, from the penalty of sin and heaven in the here after.