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Matthew 10:5–15 (ESV) Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles 5 These
twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as
you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no
gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out
who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace
return to you. 14 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. 15 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. I always have loved the circus and a friend of mine actually owned a circus.
He had marketing crews that were at least 1 month ahead and another crew about 2 weeks ahead of the circus. The first crew was signing contracts, meeting with radio stations, and printers. The second crew was doing radio announcements and carrying
through from the 1st crew with marketing the circus. The two crews were not the big event, but pointed to the big event. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus is sending out his crews to prepare the way as Jesus heads to the cross.
Jesus and His work is the “big event” that brings forgiveness and salvation to those who believe. I pray: O Lord, help me to proclaim the kingdom
of heaven is at hand. Amen.
Matthew 10:1–4 (ESV) The Twelve Apostles 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. 2 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; 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 betrayed him. Jesus selects representatives to extend His gracious kingdom. They are named individually and
given divine authority, demonstrating Jesus’ personal care for each disciple. The compassionate authority of forgiveness is given to each of Christ’s followers. We are sent with the message of God’s love to a world of sinners. Through the
waters of Baptism, God called us by name and made us His dear children. I
pray: Thank You, Jesus, for making me one of Your followers. Help me to carry out Your mission as Your representative. Amen. Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The
Lutheran Study Bible (p. 1599). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.
Matthew 9:35–38 (ESV) The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Few 35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When
he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore
pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Jesus is traveling around teaching and healing. He is actively living
the Gospel and changing people’s lives. The teaching is more important than the healing. Healing brings temporary relief… that is until they die. The teaching part however leads to eternal life. If Jesus raises a dead man back
to life, he will still die. Without Jesus teaching, which is part of His Word and Sacrament ministry… there is no eternal life. Yet, Jesus is traveling and teaching. The teaching is live changing to those who do not reject it.
It is interesting to see a glimpse of Jesus compassion. “36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus knows he
needs to send out more laborers… or evangelists. I pray: O Lord, mold me and use me according to your will. Help me to proclaim your mercies
to this fallen world. Amen.
Matthew 9:32–34 (ESV) Jesus
Heals a Man Unable to Speak 32 As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought
to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” 34 But
the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.” I would imagine that it would be scary and to see demons being cast out. Another concern is where do they go? This is a demon that made the man mute. Now he can speak. The crowds were amazed. I wonder if the man kept quiet
or did he proclaim it to the world? He may have received his voice, but our faith, forgiveness, and eternal life are far better. I pray: O Lord, give me strength and courage to proclaim your mercies to the world around us. Amen.
Matthew 9:27–31 (ESV) Jesus Heals Two Blind Men 27 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him,
and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” 30 And
their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” 31 But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
These two blind men were healed. They are no longer blind. They are told to “See that no one knows about it.” Well, they couldn’t contain themselves and to go and tell others.
The Lutheran Study Bible states: “Jesus answers the blind men’s cry for mercy by restoring their sight. He urges the Pharisees to acquire the same virtue (9:13; 12:7). In the OT, God describes Himself as “merciful and gracious” (Ex
34:6), and His Son demonstrates this same divine attribute. We are truly blessed to receive God’s mercy (5:7).”
I pray: Heavenly Father, may we who have received mercy also show mercy. Forgive me for the many times I have failed to show mercy to others. Amen.
Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 1598). St. Louis, MO: Concordia
Publishing House.
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