Matthew 10:6

“But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Context:Matthew 10 records Jesus sending out His twelve disciples with the authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. He gives them specific instructions and warns them about the challenges they will face as they proclaim the kingdom of heaven. In verse 6, Jesus tells them where they should focus their ministry: the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

The Lost Sheep:In this verse, Jesus refers to the people of Israel as the “lost sheep.” This metaphor signifies that the people of Israel had strayed from God’s ways and were in need of a shepherd to guide them back to the fold. It emphasizes their spiritual condition and the urgency of their need for salvation.

Prioritizing Israel:Jesus instructs His disciples to go specifically to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This directive reveals God’s redemptive plan for Israel and emphasizes His faithfulness to the covenant He made with them. Jesus came as the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies and promises given to the Jewish people.

Jesus’ Ministry Focus:During His earthly ministry, Jesus primarily focused on preaching and ministering to the Jewish people. His mission was to fulfil the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17) and bring salvation to Israel. He desired to reconcile His chosen people to Himself and restore them to a right relationship with God.

A Larger Message:While Jesus initially sent His disciples to the lost sheep of Israel, His ultimate mission extended beyond the boundaries of Israel. In Matthew 28:19-20, after His resurrection, Jesus commissions His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. The ministry to the Gentiles and the expansion of the gospel to all people became an integral part of the early church’s mission.

Application:Although this verse specifically addresses the disciples’ mission to Israel, it carries broader lessons for us today. It reminds us of the importance of sharing the gospel with those who are in spiritual need. Just as Jesus commissioned His disciples to reach out to the lost sheep, we are called to be messengers of the good news, sharing God’s love and salvation with everyone we encounter.

• In conclusion:Matthew 10:6 highlights Jesus’ instructions to His disciples to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. It reveals His mission to reconcile and restore His chosen people, emphasising the importance of sharing the gospel with those in need. While this verse has immediate historical and cultural implications, it also reminds us of our responsibility to share the good news and bring salvation to all people.