Go to the Lost Sheep of Israel Matthew 10:6

Matthew the apostle shared how Jesus, “said unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray you therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest. And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.” Matthew continued, “Now 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:”, and in chapter ten and verse six of his book, Matthew shared how, “go rather to the lost sheep … of Israel” where we read:

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

The verse reads, “But go rather to the lost sheep ...” Matthew began with the word, “but” or “nevertheless, moreover and” “go rather” who is “walk and depart to a greater degree, more willingly, readily and sooner” “to the lost sheep” or “toward the ruined, rendered useless and declared destroyed the four footed small and tame animals which were accustomed to graze”. Matthew shared how Jesus told His “twelve apostles” to “depart toward” the “rendered useless and ruined” “sheep” or people.

The verse goes on to say, “... of the house of Israel.” Matthew continues with the words, “of the house” which means “belonging to the dwelling place and household” “of Israel” or “belonging to the family or descendants of the patriarch Jacob”. Matthew shared how Jesus instructed His “apostles” to reach out to the Jewish people rather than the Gentiles.

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus intentionally sent forth His disciples to the people of Israel. Romans chapter one and verse sixteen tells us, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” God desires to have a relationship with people from every nation, tongue people and tribe, however, His chosen people “the Jews” were to have the first opportunity to receive Him as “Savior and Lord”. All other people were to be invited to “accept” Him afterward, and those who are wise shall accept His invitation today.

Next time Matthew shares how Jesus told His disciples, “preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.