From Apprentice to Apostle: Understanding Matthew 10

In Matthew 10, we witness a significant transition in the journey of Jesus' disciples: the move from being mere followers to becoming apostles, sent out to continue Jesus' work. This chapter not only captures the essence of discipleship but also the responsibility that comes with it.

The Foundation: Learning Before Leading

The journey begins with the context provided in the end of Matthew 9. Jesus went through towns and villages, teaching, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom, and healing diseases and sicknesses. This mirrors Matthew 4:23, highlighting that Jesus’ mission was consistent from the start. He called his disciples, taught them about life in the Kingdom (as seen in the Sermon on the Mount), and demonstrated the power of the Kingdom through miraculous healings.

Disciple and Apostle: The Dual Roles

In Matthew 10:1-4, we see that the disciples have two titles: disciples and apostles. The term disciple means a follower, one who is taught. In modern terms, we can think of this as an apprentice—someone learning a skill or trade with the intention of becoming like their teacher. Jesus’ disciples were learning with the purpose of doing what Jesus did.

The term apostle, on the other hand, means messenger or ambassador—one who is sent out. Jesus’ intention was clear: to teach and train His disciples so they could go and do the same works He did. This transition from disciple to apostle is crucial for understanding the role of a follower of Christ.

The Mission: Empowered to Act

Jesus empowered His disciples before sending them out. In Matthew 10:5-10, He gives them authority to drive out impure spirits and heal every disease and sickness. This empowerment is essential—it’s the Kingdom DNA given to them before they are sent into the world. Jesus also instructs them to go to the lost sheep of Israel first, emphasizing the importance of starting their mission at home.

The Message and the Method

The message was simple: “The Kingdom of Heaven is near.” This was the same message preached by John the Baptist and Jesus. In Matthew 10:7-8, Jesus instructs His disciples to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, and drive out demons. This model of ministry combines proclamation with demonstration—telling others about the Kingdom and showing them its power.

Challenges and Expectations

Jesus didn’t shy away from telling His disciples about the challenges they would face. In Matthew 10:16-20, He describes sending them out as sheep among wolves, warning them of persecution and misunderstanding. They are to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, relying on the Holy Spirit for the words to speak.

Jesus also spoke about the division His message would bring (Matthew 10:21-22, 34-37). The Kingdom of Heaven is in natural opposition to the world, and following Jesus may result in being hated and persecuted. However, He encourages His disciples not to fear those who can kill the body but to fear God, who holds authority over both body and soul (Matthew 10:28).

The Call to Action

In conclusion, Matthew 10 calls every follower of Jesus to move from being an apprentice to becoming an apostle. It’s a call to be taught before being sent, to embody the teachings of Jesus, and to act with the power and authority He provides. The journey includes challenges and persecution, but the reward is becoming true ambassadors of Christ, carrying the Kingdom of Heaven into the world.

This passage challenges us to evaluate our own discipleship. Are we content with just learning, or are we ready to be sent out to do the works of Jesus? It’s a reminder that true discipleship involves both being with Jesus and becoming like Him to fulfill His mission on earth.