Jesus was moved with compassion on the multitudes that followed him, and thus sent his disciples out to further his work and continue to preach hope to those lost sheep that needed his encouragement. He saw people harassed by the difficulties of life and by the religious leader's failures to lead them and help them in their burdens; he saw them neglected on the fields, starving for knowledge of God and His way, and he saw no shepherds watching out for them as he, the good shepherd, will do for his flock (John 10). He saw the people as a ripened harvest that needed to be garnered, but there were not enough laborers to get in the fields and harvest before the harvest rotted. He tells them to pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers.

The greatest need of the church today is for more laborers in the kingdom. Workers in the kingdom do not just "show up;" these come about by preparing ourselves to be used by God for his glory and praise. The preparation involves a great deal of study; it involves meditating on the word of God and applying it to our lives, and it involves prayer -- praying for God to send workers, and for God to use US to his glory. Are we willing to pay the price necessary to become a worker in his kingdom?

As Jesus sent them out, he gives instructions regarding their conduct (Matthew 10). He tells them that they are to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel first. As we see Paul later preaching the gospel in the world, it seemed that he always began in the synagogues to preach the gospel. As they went, they were to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons and show their concern for people (people will not listen to what we say until they know we care about them). They were to find those who would accept them, but dust off their feet for those who wouldn't (thus clearing themselves of responsibilities). He sent them out as sheep in the midst of wolves, and they needed to always be careful; as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. As they went it showed their trustful faith in God, their gentle courtesy, and their self denying simplicity.

In the process of preaching and teaching, they would be sorely tempted to change the message because of what some men might say about them. Jesus warned them that persecutions would come. He also tells them that the Spirit would help them to know what to say (as this is the work of the Holy Spirit -- to reveal the will of God). Hence, they were not to fear man, but God. Men can only destroy our bodies -- God can send both soul and body to hell. What an awesome responsibility it is to be a teacher; but at the same time we know that God will be with us. If he cares for the littlest bird that we often ignore, he will care more for us. Indeed, the very hairs of our heads are all numbered. We are valuable in the eyes of God!

So, don't be fearful of confessing Jesus before men, for if we are, he will deny us before the Father!

As the gospel is preached it brings a sword; while it is a message of peace, when some begin to understand what it really teaches it will also bring about division. Truly, being a disciple means that we must love the Lord more than anything else. More than family, more than life itself. But all we do for the Lord will be rewarded.

While this passage has its primary emphasis on the disciples of Jesus in the "limited commission," it still sets down principles that we all could learn from and live by. Brethren, pray for more workers -- more importantly, become one yourself. But understand what it may cost! Are you willing to pay the price?