Easy Bible・Matthew 10

Jesus sends out the twelve apostles to proclaim the kingdom of heaven

Key Passages

About this Chapter

In Matthew 10, Jesus called his twelve disciples and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. He sent them out with the following instructions: go to the lost sheep of Israel and proclaim that the kingdom of heaven has come near. They were to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons, all as a demonstration of God's power and love. Jesus warned them that they would face opposition and persecution, but he assured them that the Holy Spirit would give them the words to speak in those moments. He encouraged them to be courageous and not to fear those who can only kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, they were to fear God who has the power to destroy both body and soul in hell. Jesus also taught them about the cost of discipleship, saying that whoever loves their father or mother more than him is not worthy of him. He emphasized that taking up one's cross and following him requires complete surrender and willingness to give up everything for the sake of the kingdom. He promised that those who lose their life for his sake will find it.