Sunday, February 9-Matthew 10:1-10

1He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
-I suppose this means they didn't have this ability before, or maybe he gave them the faith to do it. But this was during a special time in the development of the gospel and church so it was probably a special gifting not meant for all.

2These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
-If there were trivia on this I'd forget every time.
-Some are known, some are hardly known.

5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.
-Specific instructions for a purpose

6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.
-The purpose was to stay close to home at first and work with the people somewhat in the know. Don't think this was meant to be racist, but it was just strategy.

7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'
-We don't seem to preach this message a lot. This is important to realize though.
-The kingdom is near. Heaven isn't so far away so live like its close.

8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
-This is the good works that was prepared in advance for them to do. What a privilege to be able to see miracles such as this. To much that has been given, much will be expected.
-Motto on how to use spiritual gifts, or any gifts for that matter. Freely we have received, freely we should give.

9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts;
-This is a pure faith journey for them.

10take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.
-This must have been scary in many senses. This is pure faith in God to take care of them.
-Do we have this much faith in the work that God has for us to do. We need to trust in God more.