Jesus gives the Twelve the green light in Matt. 10. “Go” he says (v. 5).
For many of us, that’s the word for which we’ve been waiting. We’re tired of just talking about making the world a better place. We’re ready to start making the world a better place. We’re ready to go.
But consider the elements leading up to the green light:
Jesus “called to him” (v. 1). Going for Jesus begins by being with Jesus. Before I am sent by him I am called to him. This is the foundation of ministry. It is rooted in an ongoing practice of being with Jesus and listening to Jesus. Too often we are serving in Jesus’ name without spending time in Jesus’ presence.
How do you practice being with Jesus? How does serving flow out of that connection to Christ?
Jesus called to him “his twelve disciples” (v. 1). Ministry starts in community. Mission is sustained by community. Jesus did not call one disciple. He called twelve. They gathered with him as community and were sent out as community. My tendency is to go it alone. But Jesus calls me to invest in community and to serve within community.
Are you serving in community or isolation?
Jesus “gave them” (v. 1). In this case, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal diseases and afflictions. What he is giving you and me may be different than what he gave them. But Jesus is still giving. He’s giving me abilities for ministry. He’s shaping you for his mission. Giving is preceded by receiving. Going is preceded by growing. Before I can make the world a better place I must allow Jesus to make me a better person. His kingdom comes through me only to the extent that it comes within me. Too often we strive to give for Jesus without receiving from Jesus.
What are you receiving from Jesus for mission? Are you still growing or simply going?
Jesus clarified the mission (v. 7-8). The message: “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The ministry: heal, raise, cleanse, cast out. The message: tell people about a benevolent King whose reign is breaking into the world. The ministry: show people in practical ways what that reign looks like. Good news. Good works. Not either/or. But both/and. Too often we prioritize one above the other. Too often one overshadows the other. Sadly, my own life is heavy with words and light on works.
In what ways are you sharing good news? In what ways are you doing good works?
Jesus revealed the rough road ahead (v. 11-38). While Jesus promises some encounters with people of peace, he promises more frequent encounters with those whom he calls “wolves.” He declares, “you will be hated by all for my name’s sake.” There is no ministry without hostility. Good works and good news don’t always lead to good times. Too often I’m thrown off balance by these critics. Their push-back tempts me to give-up. Yet Jesus says before we go we need to know that turbulence will be the norm.
How prepared are you for condemnation and criticism?
Jesus is urging me to consider these issues before I put the accelerator to the floor. These are part of what it means to follow Jesus in his life and ministry, the focus of this second week of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
