Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;
A disciple is someone who devotes themselves to following a teacher for the purpose of learning from them; with the goal of becoming like them – emulating their teaching and philosophy. And Jesus told His disciples to “Make disciples of all the nations… teaching them to follow all that I commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Earlier in his account, Matthew wrote;
Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.
Matthew 10:1
Authority only God can give! Then Matthew lists the names of the original twelve disciples of Jesus, including “Judas Iscariot, the one who also betrayed Him.” (Vs. 4) Obviously, this list was written after Jesus’ betrayal – Before that, Matthew did not know Judas would betray Jesus. (Matthew 26:22, Mark 14:19 & John 13:22)
But look how Matthew listed his own name – “Matthew the tax collector.” (Matthew 10:3) One of the most hated people among the Jews, Matthew had betrayed his own people to collect taxes for the Roman invader. He could have left that description out of the list; But I think – after years of following Jesus – he was still humbled and amazed that Jesus had given HIM authority as a disciple!
Jesus instructed His disciples, “As you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:7-8)
“Freely you received, freely give.” May we never forget what God has saved us from, as we share His everlasting love with others.
Mori HaTov – Good teacher – Help me share Your love for humanity.
By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.
John 13:35
Never forget,
Words of Encouragement 