Note:
It is important for every reader of a commentary to realize that the
commentary is the interpretation and narration of the Word of God by a learned
individual. We must remember that the perfect interpretation and understanding
of God’s Word comes from the Spirit of God. Hence the commentary’s purpose is
to give us food for thought as we read the Word.
It’s okay sometimes to
disagree with the commentary!
********************
Monday – 11th February
Topic: The King’s Ambassadors
Read: Matt 10:1-15
The work of salvation could be accomplished
only by Jesus Christ, and He did it alone. But the witness of this salvation
could only be accomplished by His people, those who have trusted Him and been
saved. The King needed ambassadors to the message-and He still needs them.
"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Is 6:8. It is
not enough that we pray for laborers Matt 9:36-38. We must also make
ourselves available to serve Him.
Before Jesus sent His ambassadors out to
minister, He preached an "ordination sermon" to encourage and prepare
them. In this sermon, the King had something to say to all of His
servants-past, present, and future. Unless we recognize this fact, the message
of this chapter will seem hopelessly confused.
Instructions
for Past Apostles. Matt 10:1-15
A "disciple" is a learner, one
who follows a teacher and learns his wisdom. Jesus had many disciples, some of
whom were merely "hangers-on," and some who were truly converted John
6:66. From this large group of followers, Jesus selected a smaller group
of 12 men; and these He called "apostles." This word comes from the
Greek word ‘apostello’, which means "to send forth with a
commission." It was used by the Greeks for the personal representatives of
the king, ambassadors who functioned with the king's authority. To make light
of the king's envoys was to be in danger of insubordination.
These
apostles were given special power and authority from Christ to perform
miracles. These miracles were a part of their "official credentials". Acts 2:43; 5:12; 2 Cor 12:12; Heb 2:1-4. They healed the sick (and
note that this included all kinds of diseases), cleansed the lepers, cast out
demons and even raised the dead.
These four ministries paralleled the miracles that Jesus performed in chapters
8 and 9. In a definite way, the apostles represented the King and extended His
work.
Christ's commission to these
12 men is not our commission today. He sent them only to the people of Israel.
"To the Jew first" is the historic pattern, for "Salvation is of
the Jews" John 4:22. These 12 ambassadors announced the coming
of the kingdom just as John the Baptist had done Matt 3:2 and Jesus
Himself Matt 4:17. Sad to say, the nation rejected both Christ and
His ambassadors, and the kingdom was taken from them Matt. 21:43.
The apostles depended on the
hospitality of others as they ministered from town to town. In those days, for
a town to refuse a guest was a breach of etiquette. However, the ambassadors
were to remain only with those who were "worthy," those who trusted
Christians received His message of peace and forgiveness.
The apostles were
not to compromise. If a town rejected their words, they were to warn the people
and depart. To shake off the dust was an act of judgment Acts 13:51.
We do not know
how long this "evangelistic campaign" lasted. Jesus Himself went out
to preach. See Matt 11:1, and later the apostles returned to Him and
reported what had happened Luke 9:10. Mark 6:7 tells us that
Jesus had sent the men out in pairs, which explains why their names are listed
in pairs in Matt 10:2-4. Revelation 21:14 tells us that the names
of the apostles will be on the foundations of the heavenly walls. The name of
Judas will, of course, be replaced by Matthias. Acts 1:26.
While we may-learn from the
spiritual principles in this paragraph, we should not apply these instructions.
to our lives. The Lord's commission to
us includes "all the world" Matt 28:19-20, not just the
nation of Israel.
We preach the gospel of the
grace of God Acts 20:24. Our message is' 'Christ died for our
sins" and not "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." The King has
come; He has already suffered, died, and risen from the dead.
Now He offers His salvation
to all who will believe.
********************
Tuesday – 12th February
Topic: The King’s Ambassadors
Read: Matt 10:16-23
Instructions for Future Disciples. Matt 10:16-23
The"
atmosphere" of this section is different from that in the previous
section. Here the Lord spoke of persecution, but we have no record that the 12
suffered during their tour. Jesus also spoke of a ministry to the Gentiles Matt 10:18. The Holy Spirit had not been given, yet Jesus talked about the Spirit
speaking in them Matt 10:20. Matt 10:22 seems to indicate a worldwide
persecution; yet the apostles were ministering only in their own land. Finally, Matt 10:23 speaks about the return of the Lord, which certainly moves
these events into the future. It is difficult to escape the conclusion that
these instructions apply to witnesses at some future time.
But, what time? To
some degree, some of these events took place in the Book of Acts; yet
Jesus Christ did not return at that time. And the ministry in Acts was not
limited to "the cities of Israel" Matt 10:23. It seems that the
period described in this section closely parallels the time of tribulation that
Jesus described in His "Olivet Discourse" Matt 24-25. In
fact, the statement "He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be
saved" Matt 24:13 is definitely a part of our Lord's prophetic
discourse. Mark 13:13; Matt 24:13. It does not refer to a person
keeping himself saved, but rather enduring persecution and being faithful.
If, then, these
instructions apply to that future time of tribulation, we can easily understand
why Jesus said so much about hatred and persecution. The Tribulation period
will be a time of opposition. God's servants will be like sheep in the midst of
wolves. They will need to be "tough minded but tenderhearted." This
opposition will come from organized religion Matt. 10:17, government Matt 10:18, and even the family Matt 10:21.
While believers in
scattered parts of the world are experiencing some of this persecution today,
the indication is that this opposition will be worldwide. "Religion"
has always persecuted true believers. Even the Apostle Paul persecuted the
church when he was the unconverted Saul of Tarsus. Church history reveals that
"organized religion" that has no Gospel has opposed men and women who
have dared to witness boldly for Christ.
********************
Wednesday– 13th February
Topic: The King’s Ambassadors
Read: Matt 10:1-18
Matt 10:18 states that government will also share in this program of
persecution. The prophetic Scriptures teach that in the last days, government and religion will work together to control the world. Revelation 13 describes a
time during the Tribulation period when a world ruler (the Antichrist) will
force the world to worship him and his image. He will control world religion,
economics, and government; and he will use all three to persecute those who
stand true to Christ.
There will also be
a decay of family love and loyalty. "Without natural affection" is one
of the marks of the end times 2 Tim. 3:3. Jesus quoted Micah 7:6
to prove this point Matt. 10:21. The three institutions which God
established in this world are the home, human government, and the church. In
the last days, all three of these institutions will oppose the truth instead of
promote it.
But the
tribulation period will also be a time of opportunity. The believers will be
able to witness to governors and kings Matt 10:18. Their enemies will try
to trip them up, but the Spirit of God will teach the witnesses what to say.
Believers today must not use Matthew 10:19-20 as an excuse not to study
the Word in preparation for witnessing, teaching, or preaching. These verses
describe an emergency situation; they are not God's regular pattern for ministry
today. Even during the days of the apostles, the Spirit gave them their
messages when they faced their enemies Acts 4:8. This unusual ministry
of the Spirit will be evident during the tribulation period.
The Tribulation
will be a time of opposition and opportunity; but it will also be a time of
obligation. The ambassadors of the King must' 'endure to the end" and
faithfully perform their ministry, even if it costs them their lives. In spite
of scourging, rejection by their families, persecution from city to city, and
trials before leaders, the servants must remain true to their Lord. Their
witness will be used by God to win others. Revelation 7:1-8 indicates
that 144,000 Jewish witnesses will carry God's Word throughout the world during
the Tribulation; and as a result, great multitudes will come to Christ Rev 7:9ff.
No doubt these
words in Matthew 10 will become very precious and meaningful to
witnesses during that time. We, today, can learn from these words, even though
their primary interpretation and application are for God's servants at a future
time. No matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we can turn opposition
into opportunities for witness. We can trust the Spirit of God to help us
remember what the Lord has taught us John 14:26. Instead of fleeing
and looking for an' easier place, we can. "endure to the end,"
knowing that God will help us and see us through.
********************
Thursday – 14th February
Topic: The King’s Ambassadors
Read: Matt 10:24-28
Instructions for Present Disciples. Matt 10:24-42
While the truths
in this section would apply to God's servants during any period of Bible
history, they seem to have a special significance for the church today. The
emphasis is, "Fear not!" Matt 10:26,28,31. The particular fear
Christ discussed is explained in verses 32-33: the fear of confessing Christ
openly before men. God has no "secret service." The public confession
of faith in Christ is one evidence of true salvation Rom 10:9-10.
Several reasons show why we must not be afraid to openly confess Christ. Let's
examine these reasons that are found in Matthew 10.
Suffering is to
be expected. Matt 10:24-25
Men persecuted
Jesus Christ when He was ministering on earth, so why should we expect anything
different? We are His disciples, and the disciple does not' 'out-rank" the
Master. They said that Jesus was in league with Satan (Beelzebub: lord of the
dung; lord of the house); so they will say the same thing about His followers.
However, we should count it a privilege to suffer for Him and with Him. Acts
5:41; Phil 3:10.
God will bring
everything to light. Matt 10:26-27
The enemies of
Christ use secret and deceptive means to oppose the Gospel. But true believers
are open and courageous in their lives and witness. We have nothing to hide.
"In secret have I said nothing," said Jesus John 18:20.
False witnesses lied "bout Jesus during His trial, but God saw to it that
the truth came out. We have nothing to fear because the Lord will one day
reveal the secrets of men's hearts Rom 2:16 and expose them and
judge them. Our-task is not to please men but to proclaim God's message. The
present judgment of men does not frighten us, because we are living in the
light of the future judgment of God.
We fear God
alone. Matt 10:28
All that men can
do is kill the body; and, if they do, the believer's soul goes home to be with
the Lord. But God is able to destroy both body and soul in hell' Of course, God
will never condemn one of His own children Rom 8:1; John 5:24. Martin
Luther caught this truth when he wrote:
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever.
The person who
fears God alone need never fear any man or group of men. The fear of God is the
fear that cancels fear.
********************
Friday – 15th February
Topic: The King’s Ambassadors
Read: Matthew 10:29-39
God cares for
His own. Matt 10:29-31
It did not cost
much to purchase sparrows in the market. If we compare these verses with Luke
12:6, we discover that sparrows were so cheap that the dealer threw in an extra
one! Yet the Father knows when a sparrow falls to the ground; and the Father is
there. If God cares for sparrows in such a marvelous way, will He not also care
for His own who are serving Him? He certainly will! To God, we are of greater
value than many sparrows.
God is concerned
about all of the details of our lives. Even the hairs of our head are
numbered-not "counted" in a total, but numbered individually! God
sees the sparrow fall to the ground, and God sees when a hair falls from the
head of one of His children. When He protects His own, He protects them down to
the individual hairs Luke 21:18. There is no need for us to fear when
God is exercising such wonderful care over us.
Christ honors
those who confess Him. Matt 10:32-33
To confess Him
means much more than to make a statement with the lips. It also means to back
up that statement with the life. It is one thing to say" Jesus Christ is
Lord" and quite another thing to surrender to Him and obey His will. The
walk and the talk must go together,
In heaven, Jesus has two special
ministries. As our High Priest, He gives us grace to keep us from sinning. As
our Advocate, He forgives and restores us when we do sin 1 John 2:1-2. The
merits of His heavenly intercessory work do not depend on our
faithfulness, for He is faithful even if we are not 2 Tim 2:12-13.
But the benefits of His heavenly ministry are for those who are faithful to
Him. When Christ confesses us before the Father, He is securing for us the
benefits of His sacrificial work on the cross. When He denies us before the
Father, He is unable to share these graces with us. The fault is ours, not His.
But something else is involved. One day we
shall stand before His judgment seat where the rewards will be distributed 2
Cor 5:10; Rom 14:10. If we have denied Him, we will lose rewards and the
joy of hearing His "Well done." To be sure, anyone who denies Him on
earth may be forgiven. Peter denied the Lord three times, was forgiven, and was
restored.
We cannot escape conflict. Matt 10:34-39
Once we have identified with Jesus Christ and confessed Him, we are part of a War. We did not start the war. God declared war on Satan Gen 3:15. On the night our Lord was born, the angels declared "on earth peace" Luke 2:14. But Jesus seemed to deny this truth. "I came not to send peace, but a sword" Matt 10:34. Had Israel accepted Him, He would have given them peace. But [the people refused Him, and the result was "a sword." Instead of there being "peace on earth," there is "peace in heaven" Luke 19:38. He has made peace through the blood of His cross Col 1:20 so that men can be reconciled to God and to each other.
Once we have identified with Jesus Christ and confessed Him, we are part of a War. We did not start the war. God declared war on Satan Gen 3:15. On the night our Lord was born, the angels declared "on earth peace" Luke 2:14. But Jesus seemed to deny this truth. "I came not to send peace, but a sword" Matt 10:34. Had Israel accepted Him, He would have given them peace. But [the people refused Him, and the result was "a sword." Instead of there being "peace on earth," there is "peace in heaven" Luke 19:38. He has made peace through the blood of His cross Col 1:20 so that men can be reconciled to God and to each other.
The only way a believer can escape conflict
is to deny Christ and compromise his witness, and this would be sin. Then the
believer would be at war with God and with himself. We will be misunderstood
and persecuted even by those who are the closest to us; yet we must not allow
this to affect our witness. It is important that we suffer for Jesus' sake, and
for righteousness' sake, and not because we ourselves are difficult to live
with'. There is a difference between the' 'offense of the cross" Gal 5:11 and offensive Christians.
Each believer must make the decision once
and for all to love Christ ~ supremely and take up his cross and follow Christ.
The love in Matt 10:37 is the motive for the cross in Matt 10:38. To
"carry the cross" does not mean to wear a pin on our-lapel or put a sticker
on our automobile. It means to ~ confess Christ and obey Him in spite of shame
and suffering. It means to die to self daily. If the Lord went to a cross for
us, the least we can do is ~ carry a cross for Him.
********************
Saturday – 16th February
Topic: The King’s Ambassadors
Read: Matthew 10:39-42
Matt 10:39 presents us with only two alternatives: spare your life or
sacrifice
your life. There is no middle ground. If we
protect our own interests, we will be losers; if we die to self' and live for
His interests, we will be winners. Since spiritual conflict is inevitable in
this world, why not die to self and let Christ win the battle for us and in us?
After all, the real war is inside-selfishness versus sacrifice.
We can be a
blessing to others. Matt 10:40-42
Not everyone will reject our witness. There are those who will welcome us and receive a blessing. After all, we are the ambassadors of the King! Our King will see to it that they are rewarded for what they do. When people receive us, they will welcome the King; for we are His representatives. Read 2 Samuel 10 for example of what happens when people mistreat the envoys of the King.
Not everyone will reject our witness. There are those who will welcome us and receive a blessing. After all, we are the ambassadors of the King! Our King will see to it that they are rewarded for what they do. When people receive us, they will welcome the King; for we are His representatives. Read 2 Samuel 10 for example of what happens when people mistreat the envoys of the King.
The blessing, however, is not automatic. It
all depends on the attitude of the host. If he receives the ambassador as a
prophet (a spokesman for God), then he gets one reward; if he receives him only
as a righteous man, there is another reward. But even a cup of cold water,
given with the right spirit, brings its own reward.
Keep in mind that the theme of this last section
is discipleship, not sonship. We become the children of God through
faith in Christ; we are disciples as we faithfully follow Him and obey His
will. Sonship does not change, but discipleship does change as we walk
with Christ. There is a great need today for faithful' disciples, believers who
will learn from Christ and live for Him.
This brings us to the close of the first
major division of Matthew, The Revelation of the King.
We have seen His Person Matthew 1-4, His principles Matthew 5-7, and His power Matthew 8-10.
How will the nation respond to this
revelation?
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