January 13-January 19, 2008

COMMISSIONING THE TWELVE APOSTLES
Winston Burton
Jonesboro, Arkansas

Matthew 10 is a high point of the life of Jesus on earth. Up to this time he has been training men in discipleship. Now he begins a process of multiplying himself by appointing and commissioning twelve of those disciples to be apostles, people on a mission with authority. They were to move from being learners to being doers. At first, however, their work was to be limited to Hebrew people in Canaan. He was preparing them for a world-wide commission (Matthew 28:18, 19).

John the Baptist had been sentenced to a lonely dirty prison for rebuking Herod, and Matthew 11 records that he was struggling about the Messiahship of Jesus. Jesus' answer was to tell John what work he was doing. He also spoke of John’s greatness. At the close of the chapter he issues a heart-warming invitation to suffering humanity.

In Matthew 12 the disciples picked grain on a Sabbath, which violated the law forbidding any work to be done. The defense Jesus offered was, first, that his critics approved actions contrary to the totally literal interpretation. He then quoted Hosea 6:6 to state a principle that should be used in such situations: “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” To have the mind of Christ, we do not look at people needs through law, but rather look at law through people needs.

[Winston Burton is the Seniors Minister at the Southwest church of Christ in Jonesboro, Arkansas where he starts his 18th year in 2008. Recently widowed he has previously served in various capacities in churches of Christ in Alabama, Tennessee and Arkansas. He has held gospel meetings at congregations in many states in addition to his located work. Winston is also currently serving as an elder at Southwest church of Christ.]