Slices
Prepare
Have you ever been on a mission trip, to a different part of your own country or to another country? Do you support someone on one right now? Pray for those engaged in this form of mission.
Bible passage
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” 8 Heal those who are ill, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
9 ‘Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts – 10 no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
Explore
These verses are specific to the disciples’ mission to the towns of Israel (vs 5,6). Tomorrow we will look at the general instructions Jesus gave for worldwide mission (which will include the Gentiles).
Jesus sent out the disciples to do exactly what they’d seen him do (compare vs 7,8 with the summary of Jesus’ ministry in 9:35). This is a great model for discipling others, a bit like the ‘see one, do one, teach one’ method in medical training. Who is discipling you like this? Who are you discipling?
Jesus had excellent technique (of course!) but that didn’t make everything easy for the disciples. They were to go without cash (v 9), without spare or extra provisions (v 10) and were not always welcome (v 14). There was no prior fundraising, no gift day. They simply went, trusting and obeying Jesus.
Read again verses 14 and 15, reflecting on the eternal consequences of rejecting the disciples and their message. Who was really being rejected? And what does that say about who he is?
Respond
The disciples both trusted and obeyed Jesus. Which do you find easier? Pray for opportunities to grow in the other.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Kings 12,13; 1 Corinthians 14
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for National Mission Co-ordinator for Wales Rhian Evans as she co-ordinates the work in Wales. Pray particularly as the team look to extend their reach and engagement with Welsh-speaking children, young people, churches and schools.
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