The Commission, Courage, and Cost of Following Christ

Gospel Light Church

Matthew Series #22

August 30th, 2026

The Commission, Courage, and Cost of Following Christ

Matthew 10:1–26

This chapter is a major transition in Jesus’ ministry. In chapter 9, Jesus saw the multitudes and was moved with compassion because they were weary and scattered like sheep without a shepherd. He told His disciples to pray for laborers because the harvest was plentiful and the workers were few.

Now Jesus answers that prayer by sending the very men who had been praying.

Prayer prepares God’s people for participation.

Jesus continues to call ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary work through His power.

This passage reveals three truths:

• Christ commissions His servants.
• Christ prepares His servants.
• Christ strengthens His servants.

I. Christ Calls and Commissions His Servants

Matthew 10:1–15

“And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.”
(Matthew 10:1)

Jesus called the disciples before sending them into ministry.

Every effective ministry begins by spending time with Christ.

The word “power” comes from the Greek word ἐξουσία (exousia), meaning delegated authority.

• Jesus entrusted His authority to these twelve men so they could minister in His name.

They were fishermen, a tax collector, and men from various walks of life. Their qualifications came from Christ’s calling and His authority.

“The church’s mission is the continuation of Christ’s mission.” – John Stott

Jesus continues His work through believers who willingly follow Him.

Their Mission

Jesus sent the disciples to the lost sheep of Israel to proclaim,

“The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Their message was confirmed through God’s power as they healed the sick, raised the dead, cleansed lepers, and cast out demons.

• Every miracle pointed people to the King and His kingdom.

Jesus also instructed them,

“Freely you have received, freely give.”

• Grace is God’s gift, and His people joyfully share what they have received.

“The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.” – Carl F.H Henry

The church carries the message of salvation to a world in need of Christ.

II. Christ Teaches Dependence on God

Matthew 10:9–15

Jesus instructed the disciples to travel with simple provisions.

• This mission taught them to trust the Father’s care every step of the journey.

God faithfully provides for those who faithfully serve Him.

Jesus reminded them,

“The laborer is worthy of his food.”

God uses His people to support His work and His servants.

“He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.” – C.S Lewis

The greatest treasure in life is the presence of God.

III. Christ Prepares His Servants for Opposition

Matthew 10:16–26

Jesus said,

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.”

His disciples would minister in a world that often rejected His message.

He instructed them,

“Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

• God desires His people to exercise discernment, integrity, wisdom, and purity in every circumstance.

Jesus explained that His followers would experience persecution, betrayal, and hardship as they proclaimed the Gospel.

Faithfulness to Christ has always required courage.

“The authentic Jesus never promised His followers an easy life.” – John Stott

Following Jesus includes steadfast commitment through every season.

Courage for Every Disciple

Three times in this passage Jesus encouraged His disciples,

“Do not fear.”

• Christ gives courage to those He calls.

“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” C.S Lewis

• God strengthens believers to remain faithful in every circumstance.

Confidence in God’s Truth

Jesus gave assurance to the disciples:

“There is nothing covered that will not be revealed.”

• God’s truth will ultimately be made known.
• His purposes stand forever.

“Truth is not determined by majority opinion but by divine revelation.” F.H Henry

God’s Word remains the foundation for every believer.

The Character of Christ’s Servants

This passage describes the qualities of faithful disciples:

Christ’s servants are:

• Called by Christ.
• Empowered by Christ.
• Dependent upon God.
• Wise in their conduct.
• Pure in their character.
• Courageous in their witness.
• Faithful in their calling.

God blesses lives that remain surrendered to His will.

SO WHAT?

1. Respond to Christ’s Call.

Every believer has been commissioned to represent Jesus wherever God has placed them.

2. Trust God’s Provision.

The Lord faithfully supplies every need as we walk in obedience.

3. Walk in Wisdom.

Seek God’s direction and demonstrate Christlike character in every relationship.

4. Live with Courage.

Jesus gives strength for every challenge and every opportunity to share His name.

5. Remain Faithful.

The authority of Christ, the presence of Christ, and the promises of Christ sustain every believer until He returns.