Last week, we saw how Jesus opens eyes, moves hearts, and sends out hands to work in the harvest. This week, in Matthew 10:1–15, we encounter a powerful moment in the life of Jesus and His disciples—one that directly impacts us as believers today. Jesus calls the Twelve, names them, equips them with His authority, and sends them out to proclaim the Kingdom.

This passage reminds us that when Jesus sends His followers, He doesn’t send them empty-handed. He sends them with power, with purpose, and with provision. And this is not just a story about twelve men 2,000 years ago—it’s about us. Let’s explore how Jesus equips, sends, and sustains His disciples, and what that means for us in a world that still desperately needs to hear the message of the Kingdom.

1. Jesus Equips Us With His Authority

Matthew tells us that Jesus “called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.”

Authority is a word we don’t always like. In today’s culture, authority is often abused or seen as a tool for control. We imagine CEOs sitting in corner offices or politicians using power for personal gain. But Jesus flips the script. His authority is not for domination, but for restoration. Imagine a nurse in a crowded hospital—her authority isn’t about bossing people around, but about bringing healing, offering care, and saving lives. Or think of a police officer whose authority doesn’t come from their own strength but from the badge they wear—backed by the government they serve. In the same way, Jesus gives us His authority. Not to puff us up, but to empower us to serve, to bring freedom, to bring healing—physical, emotional, spiritual. And notice who He sends: not perfect men. Judas was still going to betray Him. Peter would still deny Him. Thomas would still doubt. James and John would still jockey for positions of honor. But Jesus uses them anyway.

That means He can use us too. He equips us where we are, not once we’ve “gotten our act together.”

Supporting Scriptures:

• Luke 10:19 – “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”
• Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…”

2. Jesus Sends Us With Urgency to Proclaim His Kingdom

Jesus’ instructions are clear: “Go… proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.” This is not a casual mission. It’s urgent.

Our culture tells us to play it safe—build a comfortable life, avoid risk, stay secure. But Jesus calls us into motion. He calls us into the mess.

Think of firefighters who rush into burning buildings while everyone else is running out. They go toward the danger because lives are at stake. Or think of a doctor who has the cure for a deadly disease—what would you think if he just sat on it instead of giving it to patients?

As Christians, we carry the cure for sin and death. The world is dying for lack of hope, and Jesus says, “Go.” The mission is not optional.

Jesus even tells them not to bring extra bags or money—because the urgency of the message outweighs the need for comfort. The Kingdom is breaking in, and time is short.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me… he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives…”
• Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation…”
• 2 Corinthians 6:2 – “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

3. Jesus Calls Us to Depend on His Provision

Jesus’ instructions to the disciples seem radical: no extra money, no extra clothes, no backup plan. Why? Because He wanted them to experience His provision firsthand. Our culture says security comes from what you own—bigger houses, better savings accounts, more stuff. But think about hikers on the Appalachian Trail. The more they pack, the heavier the burden. The less they cling to, the freer they move.

Jesus invites us to travel light—not just physically but spiritually. Trust Him for daily bread. Trust Him to open the right doors. Trust Him to supply what you need for the mission He’s given you. He also tells them what to do when they are rejected: shake the dust off your feet. Don’t carry the weight of rejection with you. Don’t get stuck. Keep moving forward.

This is not easy. It takes faith to keep going when doors close, when people turn away, when it feels like your efforts aren’t working. But Jesus reminds us that the results are His to manage. Our job is to obey.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
• Romans 10:14–15 – “How will they believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”

Closing Thought

Jesus still sends people today. The question is not whether you are sent, but whether you will go.

Matthew 10:1–15 is not just history—it’s our call to action. 

* We are equipped Jesus'

* We are sent with urgency

* We are called to depend on Him, on His provision.

The mission is urgent. The harvest is ready. The only question left is: Will we step out?

Reflection Questions -

1. How does knowing you carry Jesus’ authority change how you face spiritual challenges?

2.Where do you struggle to remember that His power is greater than your weakness?

3.Who around you needs to be reminded to walk in Christ’s authority?

4. Why do you think Jesus insisted that His disciples travel light?

5. How do you show urgency in sharing your faith with others?

6.What steps could you take this week to be more intentional about proclaiming the Kingdom?

7. What would it look like for you to “travel light” in following Jesus?

8. How can you practice trusting God with provision in practical ways this week?

9.What rejections or disappointments do you need to “shake off” so you can move forward in faith?