Matthew 10:1–4: The Sent Ones

For all of their notoriety, most people are very unfamiliar with who Jesus’ disciples actually were. Here, Matthew formally lists the twelve apostles by name in a way that highlights a few different aspects of the type community Jesus had come to build.

 

Matthew 9:35–38: The Shepherd & the Harvest

Jesus has certainly come to heal and transform individuals through His love and power, but He also commissions His followers to be agents of His healing power and love in a world that is ripe for a new kind of Kingdom and a new kind of King.

 

Matthew 9:18–34: What Will You Do with His Miracles?

Jesus heals the daughter of one of the rulers in their society, a woman with a stigmatized blood disease, men who were blind, and a man who was mute and demon-possessed. All of these stories highlight the power of Jesus to bring healing and restoration to anyone who believes.

 

Matthew 9:14–17: Jesus & Religion

While Jesus’ arrival should have been celebrated, the meaning and joy of His arrival was missed by those who had lost sight of the meaning and purpose behind their religious practices—the hope of God’s presence with His people. Jesus had come to be that presence and to bring the dawn of a new age, and that meant everything was about to change.

 

Matthew 9:9–13: Jesus, the Friend of Sinners

Jesus brings us into another aspect of His character and His mission: He is a merciful King who enjoys fellowship with the poor in spirit. This is why He came, to welcome into His Kingdom those who fully own their brokenness and turn to Him for mercy.