Ministers: Their work Our response
Text: Matt 15:1-10 Date: 08/07/07 Place: Childs Hill Baptist
Today I want us to turn to Matthew’s Gospel. As you may know, Matthew contains a number of sections where chiefly we find Jesus’ teaching. The most famous is the Sermon on the Mount in Chapters 5-7. The next teaching section is found in Chapter 10. There we find what has been described as the very first missions or ordination sermon. It was my privilege yesterday to preach at Ian’s ordination in South Wales. I looked then at Acts 26. Now here we have an ordination sermon, if you will, from Jesus himself It is at this point that he sends the 12 disciples out as apostles and before he does so, he preaches to them.
Today I want us to look at 1-15. God willing, we’ll look at the rest later. As you know, chapter divisions and verse divisions have been added to the Bible later. It is important that we don’t let them make us miss the context. The context for Matthew 10:1-15 is what we call 9:35-38 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. So first Jesus himself travelled about preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. We are told that When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful hut the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. He could see the great need and knew that he himself as a man could not do all that needed to be done. Therefore he urges his disciples to pray for the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. In other words for God to thrust out workers who would preach to the people and care for them.
Today I want us to look at 1-15. God willing, we’ll look at the rest later. As you know, chapter divisions and verse divisions have been added to the Bible later. It is important that we don’t let them make us miss the context. The context for Matthew 10:1-15 is what we call 9:35-38 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. So first Jesus himself travelled about preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. We are told that When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful hut the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. He could see the great need and knew that he himself as a man could not do all that needed to be done. Therefore he urges his disciples to pray for the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. In other words for God to thrust out workers who would preach to the people and care for them.
That command still stands. We also ought to pray that God will raise up ministers to do the work that so vitally needs to be done. Pray for preachers and evangelists and other workers.
Now how much the disciples prayed I don’t know but as it turned out they were the answer to their own prayers because it is at this point that Jesus calls them to himself and sends them out as apostles to preach in his name.
Of course, the miracle working apostles were unique. They alone form the foundation of the church. However, God continues to raise up Christian ministers, men who preach the Word of God and who live to serve him. There are things then that we can learn about their work and about how we should respond to it from this passage. So I want to say three things from this passage.
1. Recognise that Christ has his different ministers though not all prove true
1. Christ has his ministers — who he prepares for their task
This call to Jesus was not something sudden. By this time his disciples had been with him for some time and so were ready for this mission. We are told in 1 Tim 5:22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands. When we are looking for ministers we can’t just grab anyone. We need men who have come to some sort of maturity in the faith and who are ready for the work. There was an order with Jesus —
Now how much the disciples prayed I don’t know but as it turned out they were the answer to their own prayers because it is at this point that Jesus calls them to himself and sends them out as apostles to preach in his name.
Of course, the miracle working apostles were unique. They alone form the foundation of the church. However, God continues to raise up Christian ministers, men who preach the Word of God and who live to serve him. There are things then that we can learn about their work and about how we should respond to it from this passage. So I want to say three things from this passage.
1. Recognise that Christ has his different ministers though not all prove true
1. Christ has his ministers — who he prepares for their task
This call to Jesus was not something sudden. By this time his disciples had been with him for some time and so were ready for this mission. We are told in 1 Tim 5:22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands. When we are looking for ministers we can’t just grab anyone. We need men who have come to some sort of maturity in the faith and who are ready for the work. There was an order with Jesus —
First, he called these men to be with him as disciples (learners)
Then he sent them out as apostles (those sent).
First preparation, then ministry. That always has to be the order.
It is like so much else — prepare the walls first then paint them; prepare the meal then serve it; prepare the sermon then preach it.
Do pray then for the preparation of ministers and for the sending out of ministers to preach. Pray for LTS and other institutions preparing men for the ministry. Pray to Christ that he will prepare ministers. They are often prepared in times of revival or of awakening — pray for that.
2. Christ has his ministers — who he calls and gives authority to
There is an idea about today that people can just volunteer for the ministry. If you’re bright and keen that’s enough. But here we read that Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority. If they had attempted to go out without Jesus’s call then the mission would have been a disaster. Sadly, what is happening today is that some men are preparing for or entering the ministry without a real sense of call and so often after a few years or so they fade away when we can ill afford to lose any ministers. There must be a sense of call.
There is a general call from God to all to trust in Jesus Christ. It goes out to you all today – repent and trust in Jesus Christ.
2. Christ has his ministers — who he calls and gives authority to
There is an idea about today that people can just volunteer for the ministry. If you’re bright and keen that’s enough. But here we read that Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority. If they had attempted to go out without Jesus’s call then the mission would have been a disaster. Sadly, what is happening today is that some men are preparing for or entering the ministry without a real sense of call and so often after a few years or so they fade away when we can ill afford to lose any ministers. There must be a sense of call.
There is a general call from God to all to trust in Jesus Christ. It goes out to you all today – repent and trust in Jesus Christ.
There is an effective call that is not resisted. All who are Christians here today have been called in that sense.
There is also such a thing as vocation or calling — the specific task or task that you carry out in God’s service. Now some are called to the Christian ministry. That is their vocation or calling. Such people are given authority to go out in Jesus’s name. When I speak to you now then I am not speaking in my own name but in Christ’s name and on his authority. That is why you must listen.
Do you have any sense that God might be calling you to be a minister? Obviously such people will have certain abilities, certain characteristics but chiefly they will have a sense of God’s call to the work. Let’s pray about this — for ourselves, for others.
3. Christ has his ministers - the work they do
Now as we’ve said the Apostle are unique. These 12 (12 is the number of the tribes of Israel) were chosen to form the foundation for Christ’s church, the new Israel of God. When John describes the New Jerusalem he says that the names of the 12 tribes were on the gates but it is the names of the 12 apostles that are on the foundations. (God's 12s are different to our 12s - by our reckoning they are probably 13!). At this point they are given a commission to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. At this time there were many cases of demon possession and much incurable sickness. The apostles were sent out to subdue the Devil and make well all sorts of people. Now such gifts are not given to God’s servants today in general. Nevertheless they are still to do this work of subduing the Devil and making people well today. Whether demon possession exists today is doubtful and many diseases that were once a great curse are so no longer. Nevertheless the need has never been greater and we need men to go out called by God, with Christ’s authority to do this work
3. Christ has his ministers - the work they do
Now as we’ve said the Apostle are unique. These 12 (12 is the number of the tribes of Israel) were chosen to form the foundation for Christ’s church, the new Israel of God. When John describes the New Jerusalem he says that the names of the 12 tribes were on the gates but it is the names of the 12 apostles that are on the foundations. (God's 12s are different to our 12s - by our reckoning they are probably 13!). At this point they are given a commission to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. At this time there were many cases of demon possession and much incurable sickness. The apostles were sent out to subdue the Devil and make well all sorts of people. Now such gifts are not given to God’s servants today in general. Nevertheless they are still to do this work of subduing the Devil and making people well today. Whether demon possession exists today is doubtful and many diseases that were once a great curse are so no longer. Nevertheless the need has never been greater and we need men to go out called by God, with Christ’s authority to do this work
Again I am saying pray for such to be raised and for those who have been raised to do that work.
4. Christ has his ministers - they greatly vary; some are well known, some not
In 2 we have a list of the names of the twelve apostles. I don’t want to say much about this except to observe how different they all were. We often wonder quite how Matthew the tax collector, who had been a collaborator with the Roman power and Simon the Zealot who must have been opposed to Roman rule tooth and nail, got on. Peter and Thomas, say, were clearly quite different temperamentally. Some of these apostles are quite well known to us — Simon Peter, James and John. Others we know almost nothing of - James son of Alphaeus and Thaddaens. And so today there are all sorts of ministers tall and short, fat and thin, old and young, loud and quiet, jolly or dour, etc. Some become well known through their preaching and writing, some remain very obscure. Such differences are not important. What matters is that Christ has called them and empowered them and they are going about his work.
4. Christ has his ministers - they greatly vary; some are well known, some not
In 2 we have a list of the names of the twelve apostles. I don’t want to say much about this except to observe how different they all were. We often wonder quite how Matthew the tax collector, who had been a collaborator with the Roman power and Simon the Zealot who must have been opposed to Roman rule tooth and nail, got on. Peter and Thomas, say, were clearly quite different temperamentally. Some of these apostles are quite well known to us — Simon Peter, James and John. Others we know almost nothing of - James son of Alphaeus and Thaddaens. And so today there are all sorts of ministers tall and short, fat and thin, old and young, loud and quiet, jolly or dour, etc. Some become well known through their preaching and writing, some remain very obscure. Such differences are not important. What matters is that Christ has called them and empowered them and they are going about his work.
Be thankful for that and pray that they will be sustained in this work.
5. Christ has his ministers - but some prove false
Of course, the list ends with and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Now it is clear that Jesus knew exactly what he was doing. It was not a mistake. In his own inscrutable purposes he included Judas the one who would eventually betray him in his Twelve. None of the other disciples, no doubt not even Judas himself, realised where things were going to end up. Only Jesus knew. And we have to recognise that there are situations where although it appears a man ha been called to be a minister he may prove false. He may not be called at all, as we have suggested. He may not even be a Christian. He may prove to be someone who far from building up God’s people will drag them down. It does happen. This is why misters and people must be very careful over this very thing. We will not prevent every disaster, we cannot but we ought to seek to and e ought to bear in mind the story of Judas and what can happen even to those who appear to be model ministers, as no doubt Judas once appeared to be. Jesus says (Mt 7) Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
2. Their work - understand that Christ sends out his ministers to do good
In 5 we read then that These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions. The instructions are very specific to those particular circumstances but there are principles here for us.
1. What to aim at
They were told Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. At this particular time this was the mission field. Now today the work is still going to lost sheep — that’s what we all are by nature — but it includes both Jews and Gentiles. Nevertheless, each particular ministry must have a specific aim or target. Later in the NT Paul speaks of how he went especially to the Gentiles and Peter more to the Jews.
5. Christ has his ministers - but some prove false
Of course, the list ends with and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Now it is clear that Jesus knew exactly what he was doing. It was not a mistake. In his own inscrutable purposes he included Judas the one who would eventually betray him in his Twelve. None of the other disciples, no doubt not even Judas himself, realised where things were going to end up. Only Jesus knew. And we have to recognise that there are situations where although it appears a man ha been called to be a minister he may prove false. He may not be called at all, as we have suggested. He may not even be a Christian. He may prove to be someone who far from building up God’s people will drag them down. It does happen. This is why misters and people must be very careful over this very thing. We will not prevent every disaster, we cannot but we ought to seek to and e ought to bear in mind the story of Judas and what can happen even to those who appear to be model ministers, as no doubt Judas once appeared to be. Jesus says (Mt 7) Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
2. Their work - understand that Christ sends out his ministers to do good
In 5 we read then that These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions. The instructions are very specific to those particular circumstances but there are principles here for us.
1. What to aim at
They were told Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. At this particular time this was the mission field. Now today the work is still going to lost sheep — that’s what we all are by nature — but it includes both Jews and Gentiles. Nevertheless, each particular ministry must have a specific aim or target. Later in the NT Paul speaks of how he went especially to the Gentiles and Peter more to the Jews.
Usually the defintion is a local one. One man will seek to minister in one particular locality. Sometimes it is more specialised — children or students or Jewish people or something similar. This idea can be abused but clearly to keep one' s aim in view is important.
2. What to preach and do
The apostles main work was to preach. 7 As you go, preach this message. The kingdom of heaven is near. That was their message. God’s eternal kingdom is here. It is a new era, the Jubilee. God is at work and now is the time to come to God through Jesus the Christ. This is the message we declare today — the end of the world is here. God is calling people to himself, gathering them into his eternal kingdom.
They were also told (8) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Such deeds not only helped the people but confirmed that these really were God’s messengers. We are in a different era now when God is not healing people and raising the dead in that way, nevertheless the work of doing good must accompany the preaching. Our motto is to be the same as theirs - Freely you have received, freely give.
Obviously someone who really has the ability to raise the dead and cleanse lepers, even someone who only claims such powers, has the ability to make himself a lot of money. That was not to be the apostles approach, however, They had freely received these powers and they were to use them for free. Again that principle is in force today. Just as many believe medical treatment should be free at the point of use so we believe that preaching the gospel should be the same. We want to put nothing in the way of anyone freely receiving the truth.
3. How to live
Jesus goes on to give further instructions to them in 9-12. Again these clearly pertain to this specific mission but the principles are for all mission. We see Paul putting at least some of them into practice on his missionary journeys.
First, they were not to (9) take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts. They were not to finance this mission then. Further, he says 10 take no bag for the journey (ie probably for food) or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff. Everything was to be provided by others. Their other motto was to be for the worker is worth his keep. Others would provide for them because they were doing the work and so deserved to be paid for it.
The plan was to be this - 11, 12 Whatever town or village you enter, search for sonic worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. There was to be no flitting about looking for better accommodation. They were to accept the hospitality they received.
Things are different today but the principles apply. When I came as pastor to Childs Hill all those years ago I had very little. This church has provided practically I have — a house, the food that I and my family eat, money to buy books and furniture or for holidays. I didn't choose the house you did. Similar things happen in many other places.
2. What to preach and do
The apostles main work was to preach. 7 As you go, preach this message. The kingdom of heaven is near. That was their message. God’s eternal kingdom is here. It is a new era, the Jubilee. God is at work and now is the time to come to God through Jesus the Christ. This is the message we declare today — the end of the world is here. God is calling people to himself, gathering them into his eternal kingdom.
They were also told (8) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Such deeds not only helped the people but confirmed that these really were God’s messengers. We are in a different era now when God is not healing people and raising the dead in that way, nevertheless the work of doing good must accompany the preaching. Our motto is to be the same as theirs - Freely you have received, freely give.
Obviously someone who really has the ability to raise the dead and cleanse lepers, even someone who only claims such powers, has the ability to make himself a lot of money. That was not to be the apostles approach, however, They had freely received these powers and they were to use them for free. Again that principle is in force today. Just as many believe medical treatment should be free at the point of use so we believe that preaching the gospel should be the same. We want to put nothing in the way of anyone freely receiving the truth.
3. How to live
Jesus goes on to give further instructions to them in 9-12. Again these clearly pertain to this specific mission but the principles are for all mission. We see Paul putting at least some of them into practice on his missionary journeys.
First, they were not to (9) take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts. They were not to finance this mission then. Further, he says 10 take no bag for the journey (ie probably for food) or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff. Everything was to be provided by others. Their other motto was to be for the worker is worth his keep. Others would provide for them because they were doing the work and so deserved to be paid for it.
The plan was to be this - 11, 12 Whatever town or village you enter, search for sonic worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. There was to be no flitting about looking for better accommodation. They were to accept the hospitality they received.
Things are different today but the principles apply. When I came as pastor to Childs Hill all those years ago I had very little. This church has provided practically I have — a house, the food that I and my family eat, money to buy books and furniture or for holidays. I didn't choose the house you did. Similar things happen in many other places.
Churches can be tempted to neglect their ministers but they must not. Ministers can be tempted to want a better house or more money but they also must resist.
3. Our response - realise the major difference between acceptance and rejection
Finally I want to speak about our response.
1. The peace of acceptance
Jesus says that having entered a home (13) if it is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. A deserving home would be one that accepts them and their message. The promise for such a home is peace. Ah, what wonderful blessings are reserved for those who receive God’s servants and their message.
3. Our response - realise the major difference between acceptance and rejection
Finally I want to speak about our response.
1. The peace of acceptance
Jesus says that having entered a home (13) if it is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. A deserving home would be one that accepts them and their message. The promise for such a home is peace. Ah, what wonderful blessings are reserved for those who receive God’s servants and their message.
The story of Jonah is a strange one. Though God’s prophet he ran away. His presence on that ship led to it being storm tossed. The sea was not calm until he was thrown overboard. Now normally it should be the other way round — the presence of one of God’s servants is a great blessing. It is a boon to a community.
More specifically if you accept his message it will mean everlasting peace to you. Do you accept my message? I tell you by Christ’s authority that God’s kingdom is near and if you trust in him all your sins are forgiven. By nature you are at war with God and God is at war with you but there can be peace through Christ and what he has done. O come to him today.
2. The hell of rejection
What solemn words we end with (14, 15) If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your fret when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town. Paul did this on occasions. I have felt like doing it myself at times. You know what happened to Sodom adn Gomorrah for their sins. They did not have the opportunity you have. What a solemn thing to reject such a message. What hope is there for such a person? None.
2. The hell of rejection
What solemn words we end with (14, 15) If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your fret when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town. Paul did this on occasions. I have felt like doing it myself at times. You know what happened to Sodom adn Gomorrah for their sins. They did not have the opportunity you have. What a solemn thing to reject such a message. What hope is there for such a person? None.
