Chapter 10 brings us to the end of the first section of
Matthew. In this chapter Jesus sends His ambassadors to
perform miracles and carry the message of the Kingdom. We
must keep in mind that wherever signs are given, we are
dealing with the Jews and the message of the Kingdom, for
the Jews require a sign (I Corinthians 1:22).
If you apply this entire chapter to the twelve
disciples, you will be confused, for in verses 15-23 Jesus
spans the ages of time and deals with the message of the
Kingdom during the Tribulation Period. This message gives
instruction to the disciples in the past (verses 1-15); the
disciples of the future Tribulation Period (verses 16-23);
and the disciples in service today (verses 24-42). The
closing verses indicate the importance of the servant of
Christ. He is the representative of Christ. To reject this
servant is to reject Christ, as Paul states in II
Corinthians 5:20.
In chapter 11 we reach a turning point in the
ministry of Christ, as presented by Matthew. The revelation
of the King is now complete (chapters 1-10). Now, rebellion
against the King begins to appear (chapters 11-13). In this
section the Jews rebel against every revelation Christ gave
of Himself.
There are several practical points to be learned
from chapter 11: (1) Even the greatest men of God get
discouraged and have times when their faith seems to
falter. John the Baptist was a great servant of God, but he
was still a man. Compare the attitude of Paul when he was
in prison (see Philippians 1). (2) Our task is to give the
Word of God to the people, and not cater to their childish
whims. Many times the church tries to please the people of
the world, and thus displeases God. To entertain men is
sin, but to warn them of hell is to obey God’s Word. (3)
Sodom, with all its filth, will have an easier time at the
judgment than Capernaum will, with all its religion! The
Son of God lived in their midst, yet they rejected Him. The
greater the light, the greater the judgment! Privilege
brings responsibility, and responsibility always means
accountability.
MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY:
Man now can be:
Redeemed.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace.