Matthew the apostle shared how, “the names of the twelve apostles are these; 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 Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. 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 you not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses”, and in chapter ten and verse ten of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples not to take, “script, two coats, shoes or staves” because “the workman is worthy of his meat” where we read:
Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves:
for the workman is worthy of his meat.
The verse reads, “Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves:” Matthew began with the words, “nor script” which means “not and in no way a wallet or leather sack in which travelers and shepherds carried their provisions” “for your journey” or “unto, towards the disciples' travels, course and way”, “neither” which means “and not” “two coats” or “two tunics or undergarments which are worn next to the skin”, “neither shoes” which refers to “not sandals which are sole fastened to the foot with thongs”, “nor yet staves” which means “not and in no way staffs, rods, walking sticks or branches which may be leaned upon”. Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples not to carry “script, two tunics, sandals or staffs” with them in their travels.
The verse goes on to say, “for the workman is worthy of his meat.” Matthew added the word, “for” which means “because, since and on account of” “the workman” or “the laborer who works for hire such as an agricultural worker” “is worthy” which means “has weight, is befitting, merits, corresponds and is meet and due” “of his meat” or “pertaining to the workers' food and nourishment”. Matthew shared how “laborers” “merit” the “nourishment” they receive.
When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus did not want His “apostles” having any pre-planned provisions for their travels. They were to depend solely upon God for their needs, and because they were presenting the gospel of the “kingdom of heaven”, He would see to their daily necessities. God cares for His own, and those who receive His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord” shall find their provision in Him. These disciples were to learn how God would provide for their every need. All their excesses were to be left behind, and dependence upon the Lord was to be their only support. Jesus would be all the security they would ever need, and they were to discover they needed no other.
Next time Matthew shares how Jesus told His disciples to, “inquire who is worthy”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
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Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
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