2011-08-21
Training of the Twelve - Legalism and the Mission
Steve Lane

A. Review
He opened His heart and His life, and He trusted them with his mission... they became His friends
The Twelve - Luke 6: 12 - 16; Mark 3: 13 - 19; Matthew 10: 1 - 4
Jesus preferred devoted men who had none of the advantages, to undevoted men who had them all
His disciples, feeling their own weakness in prayer, asked of Him, "teach us to pray."
You can use this tool like a beginner, or you can use it like a prayer veteran
Delay is no reason to stop (Luke 18: 1; Lamentations 3: 24 - 25)

B. Jesus Taught Them about Religious Liberty and Legalism
Fasting: Matthew 9: 14 - 17
Washings: Matthew 15: 1 - 3
Sabbath: Matthew 12: 1 - 3

Principles that run through all three examples: outward acts of religion do not make you holy.
They did not allow their freedom to damage another's faith. Selflessness was key.

C. First Attempts at Evangelism

A primary purpose in sending out the twelve was getting out the early message of Jesus to a scattered and shepherdless people, and to prepare for Jesus' ministry—yet a critical part of their training. The awakening and rousing of the many, and the detailed and careful training of the twelve:
"My sheep hear My voice"
Whose voice do you listen to?
John 10: 3 - the sheep listen to His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.
Who has your ear like that?
"Have you heard a stern word from Jesus recently that you listened to? Not something to expound on or say this or that about, but something to me personally" OC
The rich young man heard a stern word from Jesus [Luke 18: 22] and became discouraged.
Discouragement is disenchanted self-love
Matthew 11: 28 - Come unto Me... "Be cautious of anything that softens the hard word of Jesus."
"What do I want; what is best for me?" These questions often drown out the voice of Jesus.
Jesus has stern words and words of comfort

D. Four Things to Notice about this Apprenticeship Mission
[Matthew 10; Mark 6: 7 - 13, 30 - 32; Luke 9: 1 - 11]
The sphere
The nature of the work
Instructions for carrying on the work, which includes much on the distant future (Matthew only)
The result of their work and their return

Hearing the voice of Jesus, your Shepherd - Matthew 10: 37 - 38