by Opal Elaine Moyer

Created on: August 29, 2009

"And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." (Matthew 10:1 KJV)

This verse of the bible refers to when Christ sends out his disciples in pairs (2x2) to spread his teachings. It is a famous story used in Sunday school classes. He gave them the power to cast out demons. Christ gave them the same healing power, that he possessed. Their instructions come clearer in verses 5-8, which state:

"5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not unto the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devil: freely ye have receive, freely give." (KJV)

These verses reveal the purpose for sending the disciples out into the world. This purpose being to seek out and minister to the souls of the nation of Israel, who did not believe that Christ was the Messiah. These were the "lost sheep of Israel, to whom Jesus was referring. This being their purpose, they were instructed to go no where else and to seek out no others. They would have the opportunity to preach to others, at another time. The power that he had given them was to serve as proof that they had been, indeed, sent by God's son, their Messiah. The performing of miracles by Christ's disciples was intended to show that their power had come from God.

Despite the fact that the Hebrew people did not accept the fact that Jesus was the Christ, their Messiah, he continued to love the children of Israel and still does today. It is a point that many Christians need to remember; Christian support of Israel is paramount to our own faith and important to God. This is true because the ancient covenant set up between them and God still exists, today. They have always been and always shall be his chosen people and they should be treated as such.

The messages intended for us in this verse and the related verses is to recognize the power of God whether we receive it, witness it or experience it. Also, in this message is to use this power and knowledge to help those whom God wants to reach.

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