For the Kingdom
Read: Matthew 10:1-7
1Summoning his twelve disciples, he gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: First, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. 5 Jesus sent out these twelve after giving them instructions: “Don’t take the road that leads to the Gentiles, and don’t enter any Samaritan town. 6 Instead, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’
Transformation Questions:
- Why is it significant that the disciples are called “apostles” for the first time in Matthew 10?
- What are some things we can do, both individually and as a church, to encourage a shift from just learning to also doing?
- We aren’t apostles, but we are called ambassadors in 2 Corinthians 5. What does that name mean to you? How do we function as ambassadors for the Kingdom of God today?
- Last week, we were challenged to pray for God to send workers into the harvest every day at 9:38. Did you set a daily alarm to do this? (If not, do it now!) If you did, has it raised awareness in your heart and mind to the need for workers around us? What have you noticed?
- Last week we talked about how revival starts on our news. Matthew 10 shows us that it doesn’t just stay there. How do we balance both praying and living out our faith as we try to be obedient to God?
- Why did Jesus tell them to only go to the house of Israel? Does that mean that God didn’t want Samaritans or Gentiles to hear the gospel? Why this particular focus then?
- We are being challenged to serve our community next week (September 10-16). What is something your life group could do together to serve Ennis or Ellis County?