Sent Out Like Sheep
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Matthew 10:5 · Berean Standard Bible
Jesus sent them out with specific instructions: 'Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans right now.'
This wasn't prejudice; it was strategy. Jesus was starting with His own people first before the message went worldwide.
Jesus, setting the mission boundaries.
This initial mission to Israel was just the beginning. After the resurrection, Jesus would send them to the entire world.
Jesus sends (apesteilen) the Twelve with specific restrictions: they must not go to Gentile regions or Samaritan towns, limiting this initial mission to Israel.
This restriction is temporary and strategic, not ethnic prejudice; the post-resurrection commission (28:19) opens the mission to all nations.
Jesus, giving mission instructions.
The Israel-first strategy follows salvation-historical order: the gospel goes to Israel first, then to the nations (Rom 1:16).
3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
4Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.
6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.
7As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’
Read all of Matthew 10 — Jesus hands his authority to twelve ordinary men and sends them into a hostile world. The mission briefing is searingly honest.
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