Season 4 Podcast 100 “The Stories of the New Testament, Matthew Ch 10 A”

Season 4 Podcast 100 “The Stories of the New Testament, Matthew Ch 10 A”We offer a weekly podcast, Monday thru Friday. Each Friday we discuss the New Testament, King James’ Version. We are now on Matthew Chapter 10.The Twelve Apostles are sent on their first mission. They are instructed to only teach the Jews. Christ gives them his power “against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. The names of the twelve apostles are given.The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphæus, and Lebbæus, whose surname was Thaddæus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.In Chapter Ten we are given to understand the administrative role of the twelve apostles. They are commissioned to gather the house of Israel. Matthew records:These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.Ironically the Jews, being the seed of Abraham did not know they were lost sheep, but they are given the first chance to hear the saving principles of the gospel of Christ. Historically, we know that by and large not only do they reject the apostles but they crucify the Savior and kill the first apostles. But notice the message Jesus charges them to give.And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.What does that mean, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand? First remember the Sermon on the Mount and the promises attached to the beatitudes:1.     Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.2.     Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.3.     Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.4.     Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.5.     Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.6.     Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.Christ, in sending his disciples among the Jews, is teaching a new doctrine. First they are teaching that Christ is the prophesied Messiah. The Jews were looking in the wrong place. They expected a Messiah to deliver them from the Romans, not a lowly carpenter’s son born in a stable. Next they are teaching where Christ is, there is the Kingdom of heaven. To be in the Kingdom of heaven you must be with Christ. However, only through faith can they recognize him. While on earth, Christ is teaching about himself, that he is the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the savior, and redeemer of the world and only through him can mankind be saved. He wants the Jews to know that he is the true Messiah prophesied by the ancient prophets and the law of Moses. Everything begins with Christ. That was the message the Twelve Apostles were to bring to the Jews first. Why.  Well, it was the responsibility of the Jews to take the Gospel to the world. Christ was building a missionary force so that when he died, they would go to all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people and preach the gospel.