THURSDAY, MAY 19
READ MATTHEW 10:5-15
MATTHEW 10:5 These twelve Yeshua sent out with the following instructions: “Don’t go into the territory of the Goyim, and don’t enter any town in Shomron, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Isra’el. 7 As you go, proclaim, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is near,’ 8 heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those afflicted with tzara’at, expel demons. You have received without paying, so give without asking payment. 9 Don’t take money in your belts, no gold, no silver, no copper; 10 and for the trip don’t take a pack, an extra shirt, shoes or a walking stick — a worker should be given what he needs.
11 “When you come to a town or village, look for someone trustworthy and stay with him until you leave. 12 When you enter someone’s household, say, ‘Shalom aleikhem!’ 13 If the home deserves it, let your shalom rest on it; if not, let your shalom return to you. 14 But if the people of a house or town will not welcome you or listen to you, leave it and shake its dust from your feet! 15 Yes, I tell you, it will be more tolerable on the Day of Judgment for the people of S’dom and ‘Amora than for that town!
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Jesus forbids his disciples to preach to Gentiles and Samaritans and directs them to the Jews. Why would he give such a racist instruction?
Being a Jew himself, Jesus may have desired that the Jews first receive the message of God’s reign. Or perhaps Jesus realizes that the strengths and weaknesses of his young disciple team would preclude their venturing into risky territory. Preaching to Gentiles and Samaritans required particular qualities and skills with which the disciples were not fully equipped.
Like all good teachers, Jesus knows that effective ministry requires appropriate planning for maximum impact. So maybe he decides to start from the known (Jews) and later venture into the unknown and more challenging territory of the Gentiles and Samaritans.
And as a strategist, Jesus knows that effective ministry demands that he prioritize his priorities. Biting off too much can be disastrous. Starting small with limited objectives can offer an ideal solution. So he decides to focus on Galilee, a well-known terrain.
Notice that just as Jesus is specific in the choice of place, so also he mentions specific objectives: Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. The disciples are to focus on the helpless and hopeless in society. In Jesus’ realm, these people top the list of Jesus’ priorities. Jesus’ priorities and focus for ministry have not changed. Nor has his charge to us. Anything less is unacceptable.
Gracious God, help us never forget that we live in a hurting world. Teach us to prioritize our priorities so we may reach out to all who daily search for your love. Amen.[John Yambasu]
Born in southern Sierra Leone, Bishop John Yambasu was ordained an elder in 1990. He pastored churches in Moyamba and Freetown before serving as Sierra Leone Conference’s director for Christian education and youth ministries. He founded the Child Rescue Centre in Sierra Leone, and was its executive director until he became a regional missionary in 2000. He was elected to the episcopacy in 2008.
Special Note: The image with the meditation was designed by Rev. Todd Pick and will be used in today’s worship service at General Conference.
Our mailing address is:
The Upper Room Strategic Initiatives
PO Box 340007
Jesus forbids his disciples to preach to Gentiles and Samaritans and directs them to the Jews. Why would he give such a racist instruction?
Being a Jew himself, Jesus may have desired that the Jews first receive the message of God’s reign. Or perhaps Jesus realizes that the strengths and weaknesses of his young disciple team would preclude their venturing into risky territory. Preaching to Gentiles and Samaritans required particular qualities and skills with which the disciples were not fully equipped.
Like all good teachers, Jesus knows that effective ministry requires appropriate planning for maximum impact. So maybe he decides to start from the known (Jews) and later venture into the unknown and more challenging territory of the Gentiles and Samaritans.
And as a strategist, Jesus knows that effective ministry demands that he prioritize his priorities. Biting off too much can be disastrous. Starting small with limited objectives can offer an ideal solution. So he decides to focus on Galilee, a well-known terrain.
Notice that just as Jesus is specific in the choice of place, so also he mentions specific objectives: Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. The disciples are to focus on the helpless and hopeless in society. In Jesus’ realm, these people top the list of Jesus’ priorities. Jesus’ priorities and focus for ministry have not changed. Nor has his charge to us. Anything less is unacceptable.
Gracious God, help us never forget that we live in a hurting world. Teach us to prioritize our priorities so we may reach out to all who daily search for your love. Amen.[John Yambasu]
Born in southern Sierra Leone, Bishop John Yambasu was ordained an elder in 1990. He pastored churches in Moyamba and Freetown before serving as Sierra Leone Conference’s director for Christian education and youth ministries. He founded the Child Rescue Centre in Sierra Leone, and was its executive director until he became a regional missionary in 2000. He was elected to the episcopacy in 2008.
Special Note: The image with the meditation was designed by Rev. Todd Pick and will be used in today’s worship service at General Conference.
Our mailing address is:
The Upper Room Strategic Initiatives
PO Box 340007
Nashville, Tennessee 37203, United States
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