Jesus had 12 disciples named Simon, Jude, Thaddaeus, James, Peter, Bartholomew, John, Philip, Thomas, Matthew, Judas Iscariot, and Matthew.
In Verse 5 Jesus commanded his men telling them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heals the sick, raises the dead, cleanse lepers, and casts out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.
Jesus further instructs His disciples not to accept any type of payment from their followers. He warns them that taking payment for their services could harm their missions and put their reputations at risk. He also advises them to not fear men and to keep a low profile.
Jesus continues to provide His disciples instructions about their mission in all of Israel. He instructs them on how to respond both favorably and negatively when they are received by a town.
Because they speak for Jesus, Christ’s followers will face widespread hatred. They are capable of moving from one community to the next to avoid persecution. By doing this, they will continue to spread the word about Jesus’ good news. Jesus was and will continue to face persecution, therefore His apostles ought to expect the same thing.
In Matthew Chapter 10: 26-28 Jesus tells the disciples not to be concerned about what others may think of them for following Him. Their words are meaningless. God will make the truth known. Jesus’ teachings are to be truly declared by the disciples.
“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. “
Jesus also advises His Disciples that anyone who does not love Him more than their closest family members is unworthy of Him,
And the last 3 verses in this chapter Jesus says everyone who accepts the apostles of Jesus will also accept the Father.
“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
According to Jesus, anyone who accepts one of His disciples is actually receiving both the Messiah and the God who sent the Messiah. Additionally, He discusses the benefits that come with welcoming prophets, standing by upright men, and offering cups of cold water to young children in the name of a disciple.
