Matthew 10:16-20
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In today’s passage Jesus continues preparing his disciples to take the Good News of God’s Kingdom to the towns and village of Israel. Read Matthew 10:16-20 noticing how you react to Jesus’ words.
The ways of God’s Kingdom are often completely upside down from the ways of the world, and Jesus underscores this fact in these instructions and warnings to the disciples. Consider the first two illustrations Jesus uses and what they have to say about the nature of the Kingdom of God:
“Look, I am sending you out a sheep among wolves.”
Wolves are predators who bring destruction and fear. But Jesus sends his disciples out among the wolves to bring restoration and healing.
“Be as shrewd as snakes and as harmless as doves.”
Snakes must size up their environment and respond appropriately to survive, but they are not harmless. Jesus couples the awareness of a snake with the innocence of a dove - a simple creature that symbolizes hope and peace.
Sit with the two phrases for a moment noticing any thoughts that arise. What might Jesus want you to internalize for your own life? Talk with him about this.
Read Matthew 10:16-20 again with these thoughts in mind.
This isn’t the pep talk most leaders would give before sending out their followers on mission, but the restorative mission of Jesus is unlike any other. For those mired in their own beliefs - no matter how erroneous - and for those more concerned with their own well-being than that of the rest of the world, Jesus’ mission to return all things to God’s original intent is an offense.
But Jesus’ way is the way of true life and true purpose, and that is worth sharing whatever the risk.
Most of those reading this will never face anything near what the first century disciples of Jesus faced. But living out the restorative mission of Jesus will sometimes still be offensive - even to those who claim to be religious. The Kingdom of God is an upside down, love your enemy, bless those who curse you, kind of Kingdom where the first is last and the poor and oppressed are blessed.
For the last few minutes of this time of meditation, focus on the last directive and promise of Jesus in this passage. Read it slowly a few times pausing to listen to Jesus between each reading.
“…don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
What do you sense Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
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