Jesus’ Instructions to His Disciples
Jesus’ Instructions to His Disciples
Before sending out His twelve disciples on a mission to share the Good News, Jesus first equipped them and gave them clear, detailed instructions. These guidelines addressed various aspects of the journey they were about to undertake. Though originally spoken to the first disciples, Jesus’ instructions remain quite relevant today, offering meaningful guidance for all who follow Him and seek to carry out His mission in the modern world.
Equipping with Authority
As Jesus prepared to send out His twelve disciples for ministry, the first thing He did was equip them for the mission. He gave them authority by empowering them to be able to cast out unclean spirits that held people in bondage and to heal every kind of sickness and disease. Their mission was to proclaim the Good News and, through the power of God, bring freedom and healing to those they encountered.
1. Ministry Focus
Jesus instructed His disciples to focus their ministry on the Jews, the “lost sheep of Israel.” At that time, He specifically told them not to go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans (Matthew 10:5–6). This was a strategic phase in God’s redemptive plan.
Today, the principle still applies – we are to seek clarity about our specific calling and the people or community God is asking us to reach. Before stepping into ministry, it’s important to have a clear sense of mission and direction.
2. What to Preach?
Jesus instructed His disciples to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is near, to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons, and to give freely as they had freely received (Matthew 10:7–8).
Today, we are called to do the same, to boldly share the Gospel, letting people know that peace and hope are just one step away. This proclamation is not only through words but also through actions – through healing, deliverance, done with a spirit of love and compassion. We are to minister with the power God has entrusted to us, setting people free in His name. As we have freely received God’s grace, healing, and love, we are called to freely share His goodness with others.
3. What to Carry?
Jesus instructed His disciples to travel light – taking no money or extra provisions, reminding them that “the laborer is worthy of his provisions” (Matthew 10:9–10). This instruction, given specifically for that mission, was meant to teach them a vital lesson – to trust in God’s provision.
Though it may seem radical, the principle remains relevant – every disciple needs to experience God’s faithful provision firsthand. The call is to step out in faith, not waiting until every detail is in place. Instead of relying merely on personal resources, we are invited to depend on God to meet both our personal and ministry needs as we follow His leading.
4. Where to Stay?
Jesus instructed His disciples that when they entered a new town or village, they were to stay in a home that welcomed both them and their message, and remain there until they left that place. This required the disciples to inquire and exercise discernment about where to stay. Upon entering, they were to greet the household and offer a blessing of peace, a customary Jewish practice of the time (Matthew 10:11–13).
Today, this principle encourages us to walk in humility – being willing to receive the help and hospitality of others, and to honor and bless those who open their hearts and homes to support the work of God’s Kingdom.
5. When the Message Is Not Received
Jesus instructed His disciples to minister where their message was welcomed. If a household or town refused to listen, they were to shake the dust off their feet as they departed, a symbolic act showing they had fulfilled their responsibility and were no longer accountable (Matthew 10:14–15). The rejection placed those people in danger of judgment, but the disciples had done their part.
Today, we’re reminded that it is God who prepares hearts to receive the Gospel. Our role is to faithfully share the message and discern where God is already at work. When we encounter strong resistance, we may need to adjust our approach, or even change location, trusting that fruitfulness comes from aligning with God’s leading, not from human effort alone.
6. Wise and Innocent
Jesus warned His disciples that He was sending them out like sheep among wolves, into environments where hostility and opposition awaited them as they shared the Good News. Therefore, He urged them to be “as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).
To carry out our mission effectively, disciples need to walk in wisdom and discernment, making sound decisions without compromising on integrity. Our approach is to be marked by both caution and purity, avoiding manipulation or deceit while remaining faithful and truthful in our witness.
7. Facing Persecution
Persecution is neither a punishment, nor a failure on God’s part to protect His followers. It is part of the Christian walk. You can find Jesus’ instructions on persecution, in the blog, “Facing persecution as Jesus’ disciples”
8. Setting the right expectation
Matthew 10:34–37 – “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword…..Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Many Israelites expected the Messiah to bring in an era of peace and prosperity for Israel. After revealing Himself as the Messiah, Jesus sought to correct this expectation. The time for political peace had not yet come. Instead, He spoke of bringing a sword – not a weapon of violence, but a symbol of division.
His message would divide households, as belief in Him would often lead to conflict between those who followed Him and those who did not. Even the closest relationships, between parents and children, or in-laws could be strained or broken. Jesus makes it clear – anyone who values family ties more than their relationship with Him is not worthy of Him. The followers of Jesus will have to make a painful choice. Will they keep peace with loved ones by turning away from Jesus, or remain faithful to Him at the cost of a relationship? True discipleship calls for unwavering loyalty, even when it divides us from those we love.
9. To be worthy of Christ
Matthew 10:38–39 says, “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” A true disciple is one who takes up their cross daily. In the Roman Empire, the cross was a symbol of suffering and execution. When Jesus called His followers to carry their cross, He was calling them to a life of self-denial and surrender. Discipleship means sacrifice – it requires placing Christ above personal comfort, ambition, and desire.
To be worthy of Christ, we must be willing to face the hardships and give up what this world offers in exchange for what He offers. While this path may not lead to living one’s “best life” by worldly standards, it leads to eternal life. In contrast, those who cling to earthly pleasures and self-centered living may gain temporary satisfaction but risk losing the life that truly matters – eternity with Christ.
10. Encouragement & Promise
Matthew 10:40-42 says, “Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me. If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” As a final part of the instructions to the disciples, Jesus encouraged the disciples by saying that those who welcome them are welcoming Jesus and the Father. Those who support and honor God’s messengers share in their reward. Even the smallest act of kindness done for Christ’s followers will never go unnoticed by God.
Our Call of Discipleship
Jesus’ instructions to His disciples in Matthew 10 reveal both the challenges and rewards of following Him. While we are never promised an easy path, we are offered something far greater – His presence, provision and ultimate purpose.
In our modern context, where comfort and self-preservation often take priority, Jesus’ instructions challenge us to examine our own discipleship. Are we willing to depend fully on God’s provision? Do we minister with both serpent-like wisdom and dove-like innocence? Can we stand firm in the face of opposition? And most importantly, have we placed our relationship with Christ above all other loyalties?
