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THE TRAINING OF THE TWELVE (I)
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
Matthew 10:1-11:1

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

 

“And he called unto him the twelve,
and began to send them

forth by two and two…”

 

THE TRAINING OF THE TWELVE (I)
 
Jesus was now about halfway through His four-year public ministry. He sent His disciples out two by two, no doubt applying the biblical principle of “Two are better than one” (Eccles 4:9-10). A partner in ministry is a boon. The twelve-member team now became six. More ground could thus be covered. The field was indeed ripe for harvest. It was time for a more intensive and extensive outreach through His disciples.
 
Jesus wanted His disciples to depend on God as they served Him. That was why He sent them out with only the barest of necessities (Mark 6:8-9). They were told to travel light, real light! In their want, they would have to be very prayerful. They would have to ask the Lord for their daily food. They would then experience the joy of knowing that God was with them to provide for their every need each step of the way. God provides through those who are happy to hear the Gospel. The disciples were told to accept the hospitality extended to them by those who welcomed them into their homes. Serving the Lord can be very exciting when we learn to depend on Him for all our needs. God can work unpleasant situations for the benefit of His servants when they do His will, and walk His way.
 
Another reason why Jesus commanded His disciples to travel light is offered by Calvin, “He tells them to take no luggage which would delay the speed of their progress.” Without any luggage burden, they could move faster, and execute their mission with haste. The principle taught here is this: We must waste no time in preaching the Gospel. We must spare no effort to accelerate missions. There is no speed limit in the Gospel Highway. The faster the better.
 
THOUGHT: The pastoral ministry is not an occupation but a vocation.

PRAYER: “Make me a blessing to someone today.”

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