Matthew 9:35-10:8 – Through the ministry of the Word Jesus calls disciples and sends them out to preach.
Jesus calls twelve disciples and sends them out to
preach and heal. After teaching, preaching, and healing in various villages and
cities, Jesus is impressed by the condition of the people — harassed, helpless,
and lost. Their condition moves him to have compassion on them. To meet the
need, he appoints the twelve and sends them only to the Jews to preach and
heal. As they received the gospel free of charge, they are to give the gospel
free of charge.
Jesus’ ministry was a total ministry to the total
person. It consisted of teaching, preaching, and healing: a ministry to the
mind through teaching, to the heart (soul) through preaching, and to the body
through healing. Since we are an inseparable unit of body, mind, and spirit,
the church’s ministry today needs to include this threefold ministry.
The Savior said, “As
you go, preach this message: ‘the kingdom of heaven is near.’ What they
were to say was a simple and yet a direct message: “The kingdom of God is at hand.”
Likewise, for you in whatever station of life you find
yourself – simply share Christ. How do you do this? Consider Luther’s
explanation to the 2nd Article of the Apostles’ Creed.
Who – I believe
that Jesus Christ, true God begotten of the Father from eternity and also true
man, born of the Virgin Mary is my Lord.
What - Who has
redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins,
from death, and from the power of the devil.
How -Not with gold
or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and
death.
Why - That I may be
His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting
righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. Jesus as He is risen from the dead
lives and reigns to all eternity.
The movement of the Christian is both in and out,
coming and going. As you have received the gospel free of charge, give the
gospel free of charge to those the Lord has placed in your life.
God, our maker and redeemer, You have made us a new company of priests to
bear witness to the gospel. Enable us to be faithful to our calling to make
known Your promises to all the world
A Prayer for purity– Almighty God unto whom all hearts are open, all desires
known, from whom no secrets are hidden, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by
the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love You and worthily
magnify Your holy name.
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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