D. Announcement of the Kingdom Through the Ministry of the Disciples (9:35-11:1)

In this segment Jesus sends his disciples out on a mission of preaching and healing that is modeled on his own. In this way the disciples continue the work that Jesus began. Although ch. 10 is addressed to the twelve disciples, this passage points ahead to the mission of the church in every age. It thus has relevance for contemporary believers as they minister in the name of Christ.

The motivation for Jesus' sending out of the Twelve is found in 9:35-38: his compassion for the needy crowds. Jesus has compassion for them because of their miserable condition. Like sheep without the protection of a shepherd, they are harassed (i.e., tormented) and helpless (i.e., cast down, as wounded or dead, and thus unable to help themselves) in the face of evil and destructive forces (10:7-8; 11:2-6). This is a graphic description of all those who are outside of Christ. This perspective on the crowds causes a deep sense of pity to arise within Jesus, a pity so strong that it leads to the decisive action of sending out his disciples on a mission to free these persons from the bondage of evil (10:1-8).

The first part of the discourse describes the acts of ministry, the manner in which the disciples are to minister (10:5-15). They are to minister boldly, as persons who have been sent out under the authority of Jesus (v.5; cf. v.1). They are to minister aggressively, not content to remain where they are, but to engage in evangelistic travels (vv.5-6). They must depend entirely on God for all their needs, knowing that God is able and willing to give them all they need as they labor for him (vv.8b-10). Because time is short and many will be unreceptive to the Gospel, disciples must concentrate their ministries where the likelihood of acceptance is greatest (vv.11-15; cf. v.23).

Having discussed acts of ministry, Jesus proceeds to describe contrasting responses to the ministry of the disciples. The response will be largely negative (10:16-39), but some will respond positively (vv.40-42).

Negative reaction to the disciples' message will involve persecution of the disciples themselves. In the face of violent persecution, disciples must do all they can to remain faithful to their calling as emissaries of Christ. They must stand firm to the end, knowing that only those who thus remain faithful will escape judgment on the Last Day (10:22).

Jesus concludes this discourse with a statement about those who accept the message of the disciples. Not everyone rejects and persecutes. Some respond positively, and those who do so will receive great reward from the Father (10:40-42). This consideration encourages the disciples as they minister in the face of opposition and makes all their efforts and sufferings worthwhile.