Scripture: Matthew 9:35-10:8    

This Sunday, June 14, we begin a summer-long series of sermons based on the Gospel of Matthew. I would commend everyone’s reading of this entire Gospel over the summer months. For now, our Scripture reading is Matthew 9:35 - 10:8.

Jesus saw that the crowds “were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Is this an experience you have had in recent days? Does this describe how you feel?

Notice that Jesus’ response to the suffering of the crowds was not to fix things by some miracle. Instead, he enlisted his disciples. All we disciples are called to take up the ministry of Jesus. How might you reach out in Christ’s compassion to “the harassed and helpless”?

In verse 10:1, we are told that Jesus gave his disciples authority. Have you ever realized that you are authorized and sent by Jesus? We believe that all Christians are so authorized and sent, though “there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit”.