Matthew 10 is a chapter in the New Testament of the Bible that contains Jesus' instructions to his disciples as he sends them out on a mission to spread his message and heal the sick. These instructions offer valuable insight and guidance for Christians today who are called to evangelize, or share the good news of Jesus with others.
One key lesson from Matthew 10 is the importance of boldness and courage in evangelism. Jesus tells his disciples, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28). This encouragement to fear God rather than man is a reminder that our ultimate allegiance is to God and that we should not be afraid to speak the truth, even if it means facing persecution or backlash.
Another lesson from this chapter is the importance of humility and reliance on God in evangelism. Jesus tells his disciples, "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak." (Matthew 10:19). This statement is not a call for the disciples to rely on their own abilities or strength, but rather a recognition that they have been chosen by God and empowered by him to carry out their mission. In the same vein, Jesus instructs his disciples to "not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts" (Matthew 10:9), reminding them that they are dependent on God's provision and should not rely on their own resources.
A third lesson from Matthew 10 is the need for discernment and wisdom in evangelism. Jesus tells his disciples, "Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). This guidance calls for both caution and purity of heart as we share the gospel. We should be wise in how we approach others and sensitive to the cultural and social dynamics at play, but at the same time, we should strive to remain pure and undefiled by the world.
Finally, Matthew 10 emphasizes the importance of loving and caring for others in evangelism. Jesus instructs his disciples to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) and to "not turn anyone away". This call to love and serve others is a crucial aspect of evangelism, as it demonstrates the compassion and love of God and helps to create a more favorable environment for sharing the gospel.
In conclusion, Matthew 10 teaches us that evangelism requires boldness, humility, wisdom, and love. It is a call to fear God rather than man, to rely on his strength and provision, to approach others with discernment and purity of heart, and to love and serve those we are seeking to reach with the gospel. As we follow these instructions, we can be confident that God will work through us to bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus.
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