MATTHEW 10:1–15, THE TWELVE DISCIPLES
SENT WITH HIS AUTHORITY: MISSION, PROVIDENCE, AND THE COST OF REJECTION
Introduction
Jesus has just looked upon the crowds with deep compassion, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd. He speaks about the abundant harvest and the scarcity of laborers, and urges prayer to the Lord of the harvest. Immediately, Jesus himself becomes the answer to that prayer. He does not merely express compassion; He forms and sends. By calling the Twelve, sharing His authority, and commissioning them, Jesus teaches that His saving mission must be continued through chosen disciples. At this point in the Gospel, Jesus reveals that the Kingdom of God advances through people who trust divine providence, proclaim the nearness of God’s reign, and remain faithful even in the face of rejection.
Bible Passage (Matthew 10:1–15)
Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.
Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them: Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep.
Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
Background
This passage flows directly from Jesus’ compassion for the crowds and His prayerful concern for laborers in God’s harvest. The sending of the Twelve is not accidental; it is a decisive step in salvation history. By choosing twelve apostles, Jesus symbolically restores Israel, recalling the twelve tribes, and forms a renewed people of God. Their mission is an extension of His own: preaching, healing, and liberating. What Jesus has been doing personally, He now shares with His disciples so that the Kingdom may reach farther than His physical presence alone.
Opening Life Connection
Many people today feel overwhelmed by the needs around them: struggling families, sick relatives, broken relationships, declining faith, and social unrest. Often we say, “Someone should do something.” In this Gospel, Jesus looks at a wounded world and says, “You—come close. I will send you.” Christian faith is not only about receiving comfort and grace; it is about being formed and sent as instruments of Christ’s compassion in everyday life.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“He summoned his twelve disciples”
Mission begins with closeness to Jesus. He does not send strangers, but those who have walked with Him, listened to Him, and learned from Him. Before we can speak for Christ, we must first remain with Christ in prayer and obedience.
“Gave them authority”
This authority is not self-made or self-claimed. It flows directly from Jesus. Their mission is effective because it is rooted in His power, not in their personal abilities. The Church continues to act with Christ’s authority when she remains faithful to Him.
“Over unclean spirits… and to cure every disease and every illness”
Jesus sends His disciples into the real suffering of humanity. The Kingdom of God is revealed where people are freed from evil and restored to wholeness. Salvation touches both soul and body.
“These are the names of the twelve apostles”
The Gospel names them to show that God calls individuals, not an anonymous crowd. They are ordinary people—fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot—and even one who will betray. Jesus builds His Church not on perfection, but on calling, conversion, and grace.
“Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel”
Jesus begins with Israel because God is faithful to His promises. Salvation history has an order. What begins with Israel will later be offered to all nations. God prepares a people so that all peoples may eventually be blessed.
“The kingdom of heaven is at hand”
The Kingdom is near because the King is present. God’s reign begins wherever Jesus is welcomed. This Kingdom is not political or territorial; it is God’s loving rule over hearts and lives.
“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give”
Grace is pure gift. The disciples must never turn ministry into business or power into profit. Christian service must always reflect God’s generosity and mercy.
“Do not take gold… no sack… no second tunic”
Jesus forms His disciples in trust and detachment. They must travel light so they are free for mission. Dependence on possessions easily becomes dependence on self rather than on God.
“The laborer deserves his keep”
Trust in God’s providence does not exclude support from the faithful. God provides for His servants through the generosity of those who receive their ministry.
“Wish it peace”
Peace here is more than the absence of conflict. It is shalom—wholeness, blessing, and right relationship with God. The disciple carries Christ’s peace into every home.
“Shake the dust from your feet”
This symbolic action shows that the disciples have faithfully done their duty. Rejection of the Gospel is a serious choice. Love respects freedom, but truth must still be witnessed.
“More tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah”
Greater revelation brings greater responsibility. To reject Christ after encountering His mercy carries grave consequences. Judgment is not God’s cruelty, but the result of human choice.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
The number twelve immediately recalls the twelve tribes of Israel, signaling restoration and renewal. The image of lost sheep reflects prophetic criticism of failed leaders and God’s promise to shepherd His people himself. The greeting of peace reflects the Jewish understanding of shalom as completeness and blessing. Shaking dust from the feet was a known Jewish gesture expressing separation, now reinterpreted by Jesus to highlight the seriousness of rejecting God’s message. Hospitality was essential in Jewish culture, making trust in providence a lived reality for the disciples.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Twelve form the apostolic foundation of the Church, whose mission continues through apostolic succession. Every baptized person shares in Christ’s mission according to vocation and state of life. Grace is always a gift, never a commodity. Detachment, integrity, and trust in providence safeguard authentic ministry. Christ continues His healing and liberating work through the Church, especially through the Sacraments.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Francis of Assisi lived this Gospel literally. By embracing evangelical poverty and trusting God completely, he became a powerful instrument of peace and conversion. His credibility flowed from a life unburdened by possessions and ambition, mirroring the simplicity Jesus demanded of the Twelve.
Application to Christian Life Today
In families, parents are the first missionaries, responsible for handing on faith to their children. In parishes, the faithful are called to support priests, religious, and missionaries through prayer, cooperation, and material help. Personally, each Christian must identify and renounce spiritual “extra baggage” that limits freedom for mission. In society, believers are called to bring the Kingdom near through mercy, truth, and courage. When rejected, disciples must not grow bitter but continue in peace and perseverance.
Eucharistic Connection
The apostles are sent to proclaim and heal, but their mission always leads back to communion with Jesus. In the Eucharist, the same Christ who sent the Twelve gives Himself completely to the Church. The Word proclaimed becomes the Word received, and the faithful are then sent forth to live what they have received.
Messages / Call to Conversion
-
Live your baptism as a mission, not as a private privilege.
-
Choose detachment so your heart is free for God’s work.
-
Support priests, religious, and missionaries who labor for the Kingdom.
-
Be a bearer of Christ’s peace in your home and community.
-
Take the Gospel seriously and choose daily repentance and renewal.
Outline for Preachers (Printable – Bullet Form)
• Background: compassion of Jesus and the sending of the Twelve
• Life connection: feeling overwhelmed and being sent by Christ
• Key phrases: authority, Kingdom near, free gift, trust in providence, peace, rejection
• Jewish context: twelve tribes, lost sheep, shalom, hospitality, dust symbolism
• Catholic teaching: apostolic Church, mission of the baptized, grace, sacraments
• Saintly illustration: Saint Francis of Assisi
• Application today: family, parish, society, perseverance
• Eucharistic connection: Word proclaimed, Christ received, mission continued
• Call to conversion: mission, detachment, support, peace, repentance
