THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR

Matthew 10:1-42

(Background 9:35-37)

Key Verse 10:7

“As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'”

Read verses 1-4. What did Jesus previously say about the purpose of sending out his disciples? (9:36-37) What does the “harvest field” refer to? How were the disciples equipped before being sent out? What kind of people did he call? Who do you think Jesus sends out at the present?

Read verses 5-10. Where were the apostles supposed to go? What were they supposed to do? (7-8) How is this related to what Jesus had been doing? What should they not take along with them on the journey? What do you think he was trying to teach them?

Read verses 11-16. Where were the disciples supposed to stay? Who do you think a “worthy person” refers to here? What should they do if they are welcomed? What should they do if they are not welcome? Why? How could they be wise for the journey?

Read verses 17-20. How will people largely respond to the apostles? (17-19) Why should they not worry about what to say at that time? (19-20) How will God use this persecution? 

Read verses 21-33. To what extent will they face persecutions and rejections? (21-22) Yet why should they endure? (22-23) Why will the whole world treat the disciples this way? (24-25) How can Jesus’ disciples overcome all these hardships? (26-30, 32-33)

Read verses 34-42. What does the “sword” that Jesus will bring refer to? Why do you think this is the case? How can we be found “worthy” of Jesus? What do these verses show about the worth of being a disciple of Jesus even at such costs?

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