The Called - Part 3 (Matthew 10 - P26)

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We are observing Matthew 9: 35 - 10:42.  This is the third in the series of observations about Jesus' instructions to his disciples as he sent them out for ministry and work.  Let's continue ...

Observation #4

I am completely moved by Matthew 10:25:

It is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher ...

Do you ever wonder what is "enough"?  I'm not speaking about material things and money.  Those "enough" questions follow us all our days also.  I am referring to our walk of faith.  What is enough?  When have you and I done enough?  As women, we often struggle with this sense of "enough".  And we seem to always come up short.

• not thin enough
• not smart enough
• not tall enough
• too tall
• not talented enough
• not pretty enough
• not sexy enough
• not a good enough mom
• not a good enough wife
• not a good enough church member

And on and on and on.  Then right here in Matthew 10, Jesus tells us!  Do you want to be 'enough'?  OK.  Here's what you do ... be like the teacher.  Be like Jesus.  That's enough.  Before you respond with, "How in the world does that help!?  Now I can not be enough like Jesus, too!", think through it.  

It is enough for the student to imitate the teacher.  It is enough.  So what was Jesus' work?  What did he do?  We have a beautiful summation in Matthew 9: 35 - 36.  The copy here is from the New Revised Standard Version:

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom , and curing every disease and every sickness.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

So - to be like Jesus - to be like our teacher in our world today - as you go about your days, teach when you can in your own environment ... in your family, among your circles, with those you know.  And never forget that teaching is very seldom done in a classroom in front of a silent group of students.  You teach with everything you say and everything you do.  Teach when you can.  And secondly, have compassion on those around you ... whether you understand them or not ... whether you agree with them or not ... whether or not they look or act or think like you.  Jesus had compassion on the crowds ... not just the ones who believed in him.  Our work is to exercise compassion, not judgment.  Thirdly, do what you can.  Help where you can.  You can't do it all.  Actually Jesus didn't either.  And lastly, train those who are following you.  

And that, my friends, is enough.  It is enough for the student to be like the teacher.

Observation #5

After outlining some rather dire predictions about what the disciples could expect from the world,  I love the way Jesus closes this section of instruction.  He wants his disciples to be absolutely sure of a few things ... in spite of rejection and harsh treatment by this world ... they can KNOW:

• They have value in the eyes of God.  Even the very hairs on their heads are numbered - and that discloses incredibly personal and detailed knowledge.  
• Can you hear it?  YOU have great value in the eyes of God.
• As those disciples acknowledge the person of Jesus before those they come in contact with, Jesus, Himself, acknowledges them before Jehovah God.
• Can you hear it?  Jesus speaks to God about the fact that YOU belong to him as we speak on this earth about Jesus and belonging to him.
• He reminded them - if it looked as if they were losing in this life - take heart, you are not.  He reminded them that they would find life, eternal, in his name.
•  Can you hear it?  Regardless of how things look in this world, life comes from God and for those of us who choose to loose ourselves in Him ... there is life!
• Finally, the tasks need not always be daunting!  Even a cup of cold water given in Jesus' name will received reward.
• Can you hear it?  If God calls you to be a missionary in a far off, dangerous, and/or remote place ... go.  But often God calls us to give a cup of cold water to a thirsty soul.  Most likely, a soul you know.  And that is service.  And that is discipleship.  And that receives its reward.  

Thank you, Lord, for these instructions.  Thank you for reminding us that being your disciple is the most thrilling, rewarding thing in life.  Thank you for disclosing to us that it will not be the easy road ... but it will be the road to life.  Help us remember ...