Matthew 9:35–38; 10:5–14, 26–31

Pray for Missions (9:35–38)
To this point in ministry, the disciples were simply followers of Jesus, no doubt doing simple tasks as the Master had need. Now they are witnessing Jesus teach the Word in the synagogues, proclaim the good news of the Kingdom and heal all kinds of illnesses. Jesus instructs them to look at the needs of the people and pray for laborers to work among them. Take these words of Jesus to heart and pray faithfully for missionaries. The exceptional church prays for missionaries beyond the Easter and Christmas seasons of missions offerings. Fewer still regularly ask God to send out missionaries from their church, from among their teachers and leaders, from their children and grandchildren. But this is what our Lord calls us to do.

Go on Short-term Missions (10:5–8)
Notice in the intervening verses that Jesus calls them to act by faith upon their prayers. They are commissioned to go out. In the original text of Matthew, there were no chapter separations, so Jesus’ call to pray for laborers was followed immediately by His call for them to be laborers. Jesus limits their scope of missions work in this first assignment. Samaritans and Gentiles are off limits at this point. This was not due to the greatness of Israel but to the economy of God’s plan. God’s design has been “to the Jew first” but also to the Gentile (Rom. 1:16). At this point in their ministry experience, the disciples are not prepared to deal with the contrasting worldview challenges they would face later.

Today we have greater access to international travel than ever before. Thousands of Baptists are involved in short-term missions projects every year. We have millions of Southern Baptists, but there are billions of people on the planet. So the question is not whether God wants you to go but “Where does He want you to serve?”

Get Involved in Missions Now (10:9–14)
Verses 9–10 speak to the urgency of the missions task. Jesus’ words are not commands for us to ignore preparation for missions service. Rather He is calling on the disciples to leave immediately. Some of you are waiting for a convenient season. The truth is that you take time for what is important to you. Find out where your local church is doing a missions project and get involved.

Have No Fear of Missions (10:26–31)
Our lesson skips over a passage relating to Jesus’ promise of later persecution. With this warning, the disciples may have become concerned, but twice in this passage, Jesus instructs His disciples not to fear. First, they are not to fear death but fear the Judge who rules over death. Second, they are not to fear because of their great worth before God.