And He Called to Him His Twelve Disciples and Gave Them Authority Over Unclean Spirits
Matt 10
“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;”
(Matthew 10:1-2)
“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.”
(Matthew 10:3-4)
Discussion:
During the sermon, Pastor Andy had mentioned the grouping of the 12 disciples seem to be random the three gospels and the book of Acts, but there is order and purpose.
The 1st, 5th, and 9th position always remain the same person. The people in which follow these names are always the same but not necessary in the same order.
Why do you think Jesus breaks down the 12 disciples into 3 groups of 4 people this way?
Based on this, are there any implications for your small group?
“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.”
(Matthew 10:5-6)
Discussion:
Jesus sends them only to israelites. Pastor Andy had mentioned this shows Jesus’ focus and intensity of his vision. What are the things right now that you feel like should be your priority?
“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.”
(Matthew 10:7-8)
Discussion:
The kingdom of heaven, since it is so unseen by the physical eye, is nevertheless reality to Christians. Which sectors of your life do you feel like you should make the kingdom of heaven more of a reality in?
“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.”
(Matthew 10:9-10)
Discussion:
Overpacking. What events, do you feel like, has you worried about so many prep works and pre-issues, that the event itself can often times be overshadowed?
“And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart.”
(Matthew 10:11 ESV)
“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.”
(Matthew 10:12-13)
“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.”
(Matthew 10:14)
Discussion:
Jesus encouraged the disciples to leave the places where there is no fruit or acceptance. Are there places or relationships that you feel like it might be necessary to leave?
“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 10:15)
““Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
(Matthew 10:16)
Discussion:
How do you think one should behave as serpents and as doves in the work place?
“Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.”
(Matthew 10:17-18)
“When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
(Matthew 10:19-20)
“Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death,and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
(Matthew 10:21-22)
“When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”
(Matthew 10:23 )
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
(Matthew 10:28 )
Discussion:
Please share one of your difficulties, sufferings, or relational misunderstandings.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.”
(Matthew 10:29-30)
“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
(Matthew 10:31)
Discussion:
Jesus cares so much about us that even the smallest things, such as our hair, God cares about. God certainly cares about the great things also, such as our families, health, and finances. Which area in your life do you feel like you need to accept more of God’s love and grace?
End.
Please spend some time to pray for one another.