The Gospel of Matthew - The Mission of the Twelve | Matthew Chapter 10: 5 - 15

In Matthew chapter 10, verses 5-15, Jesus instructs his disciples on their mission as they go out to proclaim the kingdom of heaven. Jesus sends out the twelve disciples with specific instructions, saying, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." He commands them to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. They are to do all this freely, as they had received freely. They're not to take gold, silver, or copper in their belts, no bag for their journey, or extra clothes, or sandals, or a staff, for the labourer deserves his food. They're instructed to stay in one house, eating and drinking what is provided, and to bless the house if it is worthy, but to shake off the dust from their feet if it is not. Jesus warns them that some places won't receive them and tells them that it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for the towns that reject them. This passage emphasizes the urgency and exclusivity of their mission to the Jewish people, the importance of relying on God's provision, and the seriousness of rejecting the message of the kingdom.