1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10:1-8
Jesus called.
“Here, listen. I authorize you. Go, minister to your neighbors.”
Twelve disciples, Jewish, brothers, fishermen, tax collector, skeptic and traitor.
No ordinary call. No common authority. This endorsement from God.
Go among fallen Israel’s people. They have lost the truth.
Proclaim is a strong word. This authorization has eternity power.
A power message. Today. In effect as you read now.
Take a breath. No message ever given like this one.
“The kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Jesus’ authorization ended with, “Freely you have received; freely give.”