Sent Out Like Sheep
Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. Matthew 10:6 · Berean Standard Bible
Instead, go to the lost and wandering people of Israel. They're like sheep who need a shepherd.
Jesus' heart was for His own people first, the ones who had been neglected by their own religious leaders.
Jesus, directing them to those most in need.
These 'lost sheep' were the people the religious establishment had failed. Jesus was sending help directly to them.
The mission targets 'the lost sheep of the house of Israel' (ta probata ta apololta oikou Israel), using shepherd imagery from Ezekiel 34.
The 'lost sheep' metaphor echoes Jesus' compassion in 9:36 and God's promise through Ezekiel to personally seek His scattered flock.
Jesus, defining the mission target.
Jesus positions His disciples as under-shepherds fulfilling the divine promise to seek and save Israel's lost and scattered people.
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.’
8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
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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