Matthew 10:5-10
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[g]drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10 take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.
A brief timeline of the book of Matthew:
- Chapter 3 – Jesus is baptized
- Chapter 4 – Jesus is tempted. He preaches. His message is “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” He calls disciples and performs miracles.
- Chapter 5 – Jesus teaches. Love others.
- Chapter 6 – Help others. Don’t worry about yourself.
- Chapter 7 – Do not judge others. Do good things.
- Chapter 8 – Jesus performs many miracles.
- Chapter 9 – More miracles.
- Chapter 10 – Jesus sends the disciples out with instructions.
It’s easy to forget what Jesus’ message is inbetween all of his miracles and instructions. That’s why I did this recap: his message that he charges his disciples with is this: “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” That has been God’s message to his people since they first turned away from him. It is also Jesus’ message to the Jews, later to the Gentiles, and to us today. “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.”
What does that “at hand” phrase mean? Just around the corner? Almost here? Or here, around you already?