Grace Thoughts
Teaching Notes: On Matthew’s Gospel (Part 2)
Teaching Notes are Bible studies we taught before GraceLife Ministries began publishing articles online in 1995. Some were presented as sermons, others as group studies.
Our hope is that these older studies will be a blessing to you in your life and ministry. Please use them in any way God leads you.
These teaching notes are from a series of studies about the Gospel of Matthew.
[These notes are from a study prepared 45 years ago.]
Outline of Matthew 10
I. Jesus calls and empowers His disciples. 1-42
A. He calls twelve disciples. 1-4
B. He sends them out with special instructions. 5-23
1) They were to go only to the Jews. 5-6
2) Their message was to be the coming of the Kingdom. 7
3) They were to use their special powers freely. 8
4) They were not to take any provisions with them. 9-10
5) They were to inquire who in each town was receptive to them and abide there.
6) If a house or a city was not receptive to their message, they were to shake the dust off their feet and go on 13-14
7) The judgment on these places would be more severe than the one on Sodom and Gomorrah. 15
8) They were warned of the troubles they would have in their service. 16-18
9) They were comforted by Christ’s promise of special grace. 19-20
10) They hear the cost of discipleship. 21-23
C. He lists the costs and compensation of Christian discipleship. 24-42
1) They were told that the abuses of the Master will be theirs. 24-25
2) They were to speak fearlessly the message of Christ because God’s power is greater than Satan’s. 26-28
3) They were of great value to Christ. 29-31
4) They were to confess Christ openly. 32-33
5) They were taught that this message would divide families, but that Christ was far more important than anyone else. 34-38
6) They learned of the great rewards that would be theirs for faithfulness. 39-42
Objective Summary of Commentary Material on Matthew 10
The message of the twelve disciples was identical to the King’s forerunner, John the Baptist. They confirmed the Gospel of the Kingdom with miraculous powers. 1-5. Verses 16-23 are prophetic of the preaching of the Jewish remnant in the Great Tribulation. Verses 24-42 are encouragement to true disciples. Unger’s Bible Handbook, p 476
After choosing the disciples, Christ charged them for their journey. He told them to go only to the house of Israel because the Kingdom offered was Messianic. 1-15. Jesus looked beyond this mission to the future and warned the disciples of the dangers ahead. In time of danger the comfort the Spirit was promised. They were also told of persecution to come, even within their families. 16-23. The relation of Christ and believers is presented in three ways: disciple and teacher, servant and Lord, master of the house and members of the household. 24-25
God knew that He would be victorious over Satan and He wanted His children not to fear. 26-28. God is concerned about us even in the smallest detail. 29-31. A person who has denied Christ throughout life will be denied by Christ in Heaven. 33. Wycliffe New Testament Commentary, pp 31-35
Chapter 10 is another definite movement in the Book. Having concluded the miracles which were Christ’s credentials, Matthew now records the commission of the Apostles. As John the Baptist was a “forerunner,” the apostles were “after-runners.” They too have miracles as credentials. J. Vernon McGee’s Commentary on Matthew, p 30
Personal Interpretation of Matthew 10
The words “disciples” and “apostles” are used almost interchangeably here. A disciple is a student, a learner. The term in the New Testament is broadened to include one who follows. An apostle is one sent forth with orders. Jesus sent them out with great power to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom. Here we find the beginning of what would become His great Bride. At the beginning of their ministry the disciple-apostles were commanded to go only to the Jews with their Gospel message. Later after being rejected by the house of Israel, their ministry would include the Samaritans and Gentiles. 1-15
Christ painted a clear picture for the disciples of what was before them. He didn’t try to trick them into thinking their road would be easy. 16-23
He showed them their rightful place in a position of learner and servant of the Lord. If the world hated the Master, it would certainly hate the Master’s household. 24-25
It’s always wise to remember the coming day of judgment when God would right all the wrongs and reveal every evil word and deed. In time of persecution, Satan could destroy physical life and has, but in the end only God can destroy both body and soul in hell. 26-28
We are of great worth to the Lord. As His children of faith, He closely watches and guards us. 29-31
A child of God will confess Christ with his life, word and actions This heart and mouth confession earns a Heavenly confession from Christ. However, a person who spends his lie denying Christ’s sacrifice and grace for Him will ind no confession in Heaven — only condemnation. 32-33, 39
When a person confesses Christ as Lord and Savior, he does not earn the peace of the world. A blinded world will hate the light of a believer’s profession. 34-38
Apparently, Jesus takes what is done to His servants as done to Himself. 40-42
Practical Usage of Matthew Chapter 10
Personal Development:
It’s good to remember that we are not greater than our Master. When we grumble and complain at our circumstances in life or ministry we should remember the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and thank Him that we have it so good.
Next Time
We will look at the outline for Matthew Chapter 11 in the next part of our special series.
[Thank you for reading these teaching notes from 45 years ago. My prayer is they will be a blessing to you and your ministry.]
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Founder & Director of GraceLife Ministries View all posts by gracelifethoughts
