JUNE 16, Matthew 10:5-8

So far, Jesus was the one working the miracles of healing, casting out devils, and raising the dead. All these miracles confirmed that He was the only begotten Son of God who had come to be the Saviour of the world. However, Jesus only had a very short time of ministry on earth. What would happen after He ascends back to heaven?

Jesus chose for Himself twelve disciples to carry on His work. They were men from all walks of life, but had received the common call to follow and serve Jesus. To train them for the ministry ahead, Jesus sent them out to preach the kingdom of God. This was the first time that the disciples were given the power to do the miracles that Jesus had been doing! The purpose was not to create an atmosphere of wonder and amazement to surround the disciples. Rather, with the power seen in these miracles, it was to drive home the point that their message was of heaven, from God.

The disciples were told “as ye go, preach”. This is our calling as followers of Jesus. It’s not just for the twelve disciples, but for us too. As we go along our day to day lives, we are to preach! The world sends out messages that have to do with enjoyment and entertainment, but we are to “preach saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We are to tell our friends and loved ones of Christ’s message of repentance and faith.

The disciples were given power from God to work miracles in order to confirm their message. How about us? How do people know that we are the disciples of Jesus? We may not be given this power of working miracles, but we too are given the ability to do good unto others! As we have freely received many blessings from God’s hands, so we are to be generous and free in doing good to others. As your family and friends start to see your good works and labour of love, they will recognise you as a true disciple of Jesus! So as you go along your daily life, preach with your words and with your works!

May each word spoken for Christ my Lord, be never made in vain.

For behind those words, my works must show, to bring honour to His name.

Thought: People will know that I am of Jesus when my actions match my message.

Prayer: Father in heaven, as I resolve to live for You each day, help me to look for opportunities where I may do good unto others and to share with them the gospel of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.