# Matthew Chapter 10 --- ## Summary Jesus calls out 12 disciples and givens them authority over unclean spirits, and to heal diseases. Jesus then sends them out to the 'lost sheep' of Israel to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom. He instructs them to do so freely without charge as freely they received, giving out further instructions for the conduct of his disciples. He also notes that disciples should `immitate` or `be like` their teacher. Jesus warns of the persecution that will come to those he sends, and offers reassurance that the spirit of the father will aid them. Jesus instructs them not to be fearful noting that their father values them and will protect them. Jesus explains that he does not come to bring peace, but life which will be divisive. Jesus highlights that how his disciples are received and his message received is not inconsequential but is rewarded. ## Imagery and Theme's One key theme that is recurrent throughout this passage is that of Jesus authority. He gives authority to his disciples over spirits and disease[10:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A1&version=ESV), he outlines clear instructions about their conduct [10:5-14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A5-14&version=ESV), persecution [10:16-18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A16-18&version=ESV), not to fear [10:26-28](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A26-28&version=ESV) and also the power of the Kingdom he proclaims [10:34-39](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A34-39&version=ESV). These are not the words of a simple carpenter but someone who is clearly in control of the situation and should be heeded. His instructions are clear and would have been distinct from travelling teachers at the time. Another interesting gem from this passage is verse [10:24-25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A24-25&version=ESV) in which Jesus says something that is almost easy to overlook. Firstly he notes that no disciples is above his teacher using parallelism with the reference to slave and master to emphasise the point. Then he notes `It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master`. This adds weight to the notion that Jesus is modelling what it means to be human to his disciples and expects imitation. There is also recognition here of the sufficiency of those he sends that dwell within the pattern. Whilst *activity* may be unsuccessful, fear inducing and even downright hostile, remaining in the pattern is enough. Success then for Jesus is not measured in the number of individuals that accept him, the dead raise, sick healed or demons cast out. But it is *enough* simply for a disciple to be like his teacher. This arrives in the midst of clear directions from Jesus as to what it means to be sent by Jesus, and is not inconsequential. What greater charge could he give than to be like him? So from this we can surmise whilst there are practical elements we need to consider we should not overlook the basic principle of emulating what Jesus has modelled for us. Missing this point is missing a huge part of what it means to be sent by Jesus. Namely abiding in the pattern[^1]. It is important we remain in the pattern and the pattern remains in us. To make links here we turn to John 15 the parable of the vine. In this Jesus implores us to abide in him so that he might abide in us [15:4-5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A4-5&version=ESV). It is not possible to be fruit bearing apart from the vine. We need to be in the pattern and have the pattern in us that we might be fruit bearing. Human growth and flourishing occurs as we abide within the pattern. [^1]: Jesus is *the* human being. The template of what it means to be a human being. I will frequently refer to this *template* or way of being in the world as `the pattern`. If you are interested there is more on this [here](http://tilde.club/~chortle/log.php?type=faith&year=2022#the-human-being).