How Jesus Prepared His Disciples

This is part 1 of 3 of Lesson 7: Preparation for Discipleship. Click here to go back to the introduction to this lesson.

The disciples followed Jesus around for a while before being sent out on their own – like being in training for the big event. Matt 10:5-42 summarises Jesus’ instructions to the twelve before sending them out on their first mission. The whole passage is well worth reading, however below we’ll have a look at a couple of key items that are fully relevant for us today:

v5. “Jesus sent out the twelve apostles…”

As Christians today, do we think Jesus wants us to go ‘out’? I think yes, He does. What ‘out’ means is worthy of discussion. But what is clear is that at least we need to try and connect with those non-believers around us. Pr Lloyd Grolimund said recently that even while on holiday going skiing in the US recently, he was able to spend time talking to people about Jesus. How he does this without looking like a loony is to ask them what they do for a living. When they respond with ‘well what do you do’, he’s able to say he’s an Adventist Christian pastor and the conversation naturally moves on from there.

We also need to find a hook to be able to start conversations. At work towards the end of the week in normal conversation I’ll often ask what people have got planned for the weekend. This often results in them asking me, which then leads me to respond about going to church on Sabbath. Now sometimes I pike out and focus more on what I’m doing on Sunday, but I think this is a good way to naturally move things to discussing spiritual matters and one I should make more use of.

The key though is for all to find what works well for them. But we do have to be intentional about it.

v7 “Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

How do you think we can proclaim this message and truly capture people’s interest? Maybe we need to link it to the needs that people have. It is difficult today when a lot of conversation in the workplace can be superficial, but once again the Spirit will lead when appropriate, and we need to be ready to respond and sense when people are hungry and ready to hear the Good News that Jesus brings.

v 14 “If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave”

I know that I can be pre-occupied with what people will think of me…will they think I’m a religious nut? A right wing loony? I think though that while we need to make sure that we avoid being ‘unattractive’ Christians, we mustn’t forget that it’s our job to get the message our there, and then from there it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to move their hearts. We shouldn’t cower because of fear of rejection. Once again this is a message to myself!
v 16 “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves”

Ellen White’s counsel regarding this verse is useful:

Do not arouse the malignity of the enemy by making denunciatory speeches. Thus you would close doors against the entrance of truth. Clear-cut messages are to be borne. But guard against arousing antagonism. Restrain all harsh expressions.

[God's workers] should not feel that all the truth of God is to be spoken to unbelievers on any and every occasion, but should plan carefully what to say and what to leave unsaid.

[Paul] did not approach the Jews in a way to stir up their prejudice. He did not run the risk of making them his enemies by telling them the first thing that they must believe on Jesus of Nazareth; but he dwelt on the promises of the Old Testament scriptures, which testified of Christ, of his mission, and of his work. Thus he led them along step by step…{Canvasser, December 11, 1890 par. 4}

v24, 28, 31 “And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names! Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul… don’t be afraid”

While those of us living in democratic countries have got it pretty good, we will likely have to endure some hardship or rejection because of our faith. But why should we expect to have all smooth sailing when our Master, the best person ever, one who worked constantly to improve the circumstances of humanity, was ridiculed, hated and murdered. While Jesus sets out the dangers ahead, He always seek to reassure us with ‘don’t be afraid’.

v 34 “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword…”

An interesting quote from the ‘Prince of Peace’ Himself! But let’s not get this one wrong – Jesus here outlines that His very existence is a great divider. For whatever people believe about Jesus clearly takes them down one of two paths. I remember an interesting quote from Larry King Jr (Talented TV interviewer of the powerful and famous.) when asked about the person he’d most want to interview. His response was that he’s like to interview Jesus Christ, because:

I would like to ask Him if He was indeed virgin born, because the answer to that question would define history.

The truth about Jesus will divide, no matter how sensitively we put it. However here is the paradox, it’s only by navigating through this division that will bring peace to this world.

Well as usual I’d be interested in your thoughts on Jesus’ preparation for his disciples, and the relevance of His words for us today…

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