Instructions for a Missionary Tour
Jesus' promise that His disciples would be fishers of men (Matt. 4:19) was not immediately fulfilled. At first they observed His activities. While ministering in Galilee "preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness," He saw the crowds and had compassion on them, "because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matt. 9:35, 36, NIV). He commented to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few," and invited them to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers (vs. 37, NIV).
Read Jesus' words to the twelve (Matt. 10:1, Matt 10:5-11:1). What principles are found in these words that would apply to us today in our work of seeking to make disciples?
There is a lot that Christ's modern-day disciples could learn from these texts. One thing, however, that should come through clearly is that witnessing for Christ is not going to be easy. There is going to be opposition, turmoil, and even, in some cases, persecution. Thus, we should not be surprised when these things come. What should concern us is when they do not.
Read again the texts for today. What kind of opposition, turmoil, and suffering should we expect? In what ways have you experienced in your own life some of what Jesus said here almost two thousand years ago?
Jesus did not promise His disciples an easy time of it. The history of the church proves just how accurate His words were. Yet at the same time, even amid these warnings, the Lord gives these men wonderful words of encouragement and hope. Read those words, those promises, and claim them for yourself. What can you take from them that you need in particular for yourself right now?
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