No Gold, Silver or Brass Matthew 10:9

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”, and in chapter ten and verse nine of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples, “provide neither gold … silver … nor brass” where we read:

Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses

The verse reads, “Provide neither gold, nor silver, ...” Matthew began with the words, “provide neither” which means “do not acquire, get, procure or possess for yourselves” “gold” which refers to “precious things made of gold”, “nor” or “no and not in any way” “silver” which refers to “vessels and things made of silver”. Matthew shared how Jesus instructed His “apostles” not to carry with them anything made of “gold or silver”.

The verse continues, “... nor brass in your purses” Matthew added the words, “nor brass” which means “no and in not any way what is made of brass” “in your purses” or “within your girdle or belt which serves not only to gird on flowing garments in which to carry money”. Matthew shared how Jesus added “things made of brass” to the items His “apostles” were not to carry with them.

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus' “apostles” were not to make provisions for themselves for this journey. They were to carry no “gold, silver or brass” with them, and they were to learn that God was their provision and protection. Having faith in Jesus Christ is the answer to the problem of sin that separates people from God, and when they align with Him and His way, He becomes their provision no matter where He sends them. The gospel was to be “freely” given even as the “disciples” received it from Jesus, and although they probably could have made provisions for themselves such as “gold, silver and brass”, they were not to do so and they were to understand God was their ample supply.

Next time Matthew shares how Jesus told His disciples to, “nor script … neither two coats … shoes, nor yet staves”, 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.