Learning from Jesus' 12 Disciples: Principles of Mission

Jesus chose His twelve disciples for a purpose: to become His extended hands in the mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 10 shows how Jesus' 12 disciples were given authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal various diseases and weaknesses. Those miracles were part of the Lord's mission assignment for them.

As followers of Jesus, we too ought to take part in the mission assignment as the apostles did. And that mission begins when we are baptized. Yet some of us may be confused about how to begin. Or we may be held back by worries that make us hesitate to move forward.

With that in mind, let us open Matthew 10 and learn what messages were given to Jesus' 12 disciples before they were sent out to preach the gospel.

4 Principles of Mission Based on the Message to Jesus' 12 Disciples

Here are four principles we can apply in the mission assignment according to Jesus' words to His disciples.

1. Start with those closest to you

These twelve were sent out by Jesus, and He instructed them: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: The Kingdom of Heaven is near." – Matthew 10:5-7

Jesus' first message was that His disciples should focus on the lost sheep of Israel first. That does not mean Jesus was showing favoritism toward other nations. Precisely because this was their first discipleship assignment, He wanted His disciples to work from the innermost circle. Like a marketing strategy: start with those closest to you, which can also mean starting with those who are easiest to reach.

As followers of Christ, learn to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven first to the people closest to us. Let us begin the mission of salvation within our families, close friends, and the people around us.

2. Restore relationships

"Heal the sick; raise the dead; cleanse those with leprosy; drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." – Matthew 10:8

In the past, the sick, those with leprosy, and those possessed by demons were people cast out socially. They were not accepted by society. What Jesus did, and what He also commanded His disciples to do, was to restore these people's relationships. By being healed physically, they would be accepted again in their social environment, and above all, they could experience God's love.

Around us, many people may be physically healthy, but their hearts are hurting. They carry bitterness, resentment, fear, mistrust (suspicion), whether toward others or toward God. It is our task as Jesus' disciples to heal such people. Let us restore their relationships and bring them to God.

3. Do not worry, just believe

"Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts. Do not take a bag for the journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff, for a worker is worthy of his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave." – Matthew 10:9-11

In carrying out their assignment, Jesus' 12 disciples were forbidden to bring gold, silver, and copper. This was how Jesus trained them to always depend on God's care. There was no need to worry about lodging and the things they needed. Just believe, and God will surely provide.

Are we worried and planning to serve God only after we are well established? Perhaps we think, "I am still too young to follow God. There are many dreams I have not yet achieved."

Yet Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." When we labor in God's field, everything we need will be added to us; that is His promise.

4. Do not get angry or frustrated. Do our part

"When you enter someone's house, greet them. If the house is worthy, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town." – Matthew 10:12-15

Rejection is a normal thing, and indeed very likely to happen. It certainly does not feel pleasant, and it can make us feel unappreciated, unnoticed, or unloved. The common response is to become angry, judgmental, abusive, or even to curse those who reject us.

Jesus' 12 disciples were told to go proclaim salvation and shake the dust off their feet if they were rejected. In other words, we do not need to take it personally (be overly emotional). Do not let that rejection leave a mark within us. Let us simply do our part, which is to love and proclaim God's kingdom. After that, let God do His part.

Let us learn from Jesus' 12 disciples so that we may become followers of Christ who are eager to proclaim the good news of salvation. Let us begin with those closest to us, help restore their relationships, stay focused on our part, and surrender everything to God. The Lord Jesus bless you!