sent out

i recently listened to a sermon about this passage of scripture. you can listen to this sermon (and other great ones about the kingship and authority of Christ) here and then choose the sermon entitled "sent by the King." worth your time, trust me.

i was challenged to go out with boldness everyday, knowing that there will be joy and pain in preaching the good news to people. i was reminded that i have a mission from the Sovereign King, a King who has dealt with my biggest problem-sin. i hope you are as encouraged, challenged, and reminded as i was from this section of scripture.

now, this chapter is pretty heavy, so tune in this week for a new section each day.

"And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, 'Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.'"

Matthew 10:1-15