3-16-11: Study of Matthew 9:36–10:15, including the narrative introduction to the Missionary Discourse (9:36–10:4) and the first part of the Missionary Discourse (10:5–15).

For more on the Gospel of Matthew, see Matthew 1:1–11:1 by Jeff Gibbs (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2006).

Matthew 9:36—10:15
Men’s Breakfast Study, 3-16-11
Rev. Eric N. Andersen

9:36—10:4:
•Serves as an introduction to the Missionary Discourse which follows (10:5—42).
•Missionary Discourse divides into two main sections:
•10:5—23: refers directly to the Twelve and their first century activities; Jewish character
•Mention of two foundational OT cities Sodom & Gomorrah (a symbol of God’s wrath)
•10:24—42: more generalizing, no limitations on the places where Jesus’ messengers are to go or to whom they are to preach.
•Mission of the Twelve an extension of Jesus’ own ministry (preaching, healing, casting out of demons). 

For discussion:
How does Matthew 9:36—38 relate to 10:1—4?

Why was Jesus concerned to send out faithful shepherds?

10:5—15:
•Uniqueness of the Twelve’s mission highlighted by demonstrative pronoun: “These twelve Jesus sent”.  Specific, limited mission.
•Twelve as representative of the “true Israel”; parallel to 12 tribes.  Mission for all, but first for God’s chosen people, the Jews; cf. Romans 1:16.  Advantage of being a Jew stated by Paul in Romans 3.  Yet, also means higher responsibility (cf. Amos 3).
•Note the similarity between John’s & Jesus’ preaching and that of the Twelve (3:2; 4:17; 10:7).  Same message!
•Jesus’ commissioning of apostles results in multiplication of his efforts; cf. purpose of the ascension in Eph. 4:8ff.
•All are to be salt & light (Matt 5:13—16); some have unique sending (narrow & broad sense). 

For discussion:
What aspects of the Mission of the Twelve were unique?  What do today’s pastors share in common with the Twelve?

How did the homes the Twelve visit display their “worthiness” or “unworthiness”?  What would the consequence of each response be?

What is the relationship between the limited mission of Matthew 10:5—15 and the Great Commission of Matthew 28:16—20?