A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

JESUS GAVE HIS DISCIPLES THEIR JOB DESCRIPTION     

Matthew 10:5-8 “These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” 

A job description includes an overview, role summary, catalog of responsibilities, and the qualifications and experience required for a particular role. It may include a description of where you are to work and the expectations of your employer. 

Jesus recruited (“called”) twelve men to serve as His disciples. These twelve He sent out to the “lost sheep of Israel.” Their role or responsibility was to “ . . . proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.” Jesus taught and prepared them to do the work to which He called them.   

Further, Jesus assured His disciples they would not go out on their own. He promised that “ . . . the Holy Spirit, whom the Father (would) send in (His) name, (would) teach (them) all things and (would) remind (them) of everything (He had) said to (them.)” Then He said to them, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)  

Jesus’ “job description” for His disciples is still in effect today. He still “recruits” or “calls” followers of His and sends them out, no longer just to the “lost sheep of Israel,” but into all the world. (Matthew 28:19) He still promises to be with His disciples as they carry out His “GREAT COMMISSION.” (Matthew 28:18-20) 

Prayer: Lord of the harvest, bless all who you send out into the harvest that many more will believe in You and receive forgiveness of their sins, eternal life, and salvation. In Your holy name. Amen. 

We are called to stand together With the saints of ages past,  
With the patriarchs and prophets In the faith they once held fast;  
Promises and hopes they treasured Now we find fulfilled at last. 

Those whom Jesus called apostles Journeyed with Him side by side,  
Heard His teaching, felt His power, Saw the way He lived and died;  
Then the news of resurrection They delivered far and wide. 

Through the intervening ages Round the world the Gospel spread;  
Faithful heralds took the message, Guided where the Spirit led;  
So the body grew in stature, Serving Christ, the living head. 

Now in many tongues and cultures Songs of celebration ring;  
Millions who confess our Savior Honor Him as Lord and King  
And, for courage, grace and guidance Ev’ry day their prayers they bring. 

To each coming generation Tell the truth persuade, explain.  
Till the time when time is ended, Till the Savior comes again—  
Till the saints are all united Under Christ’s eternal reign!  

We Are Called to Stand Together // LSB 828