Matthew 10:2-4……..Working

Matthew 10:2-4……..Working

10:2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: (First and only time the word “Apostle” is used in Matthew’s Gospel) first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector, James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (For Complete Expository & Applications Get the Whole Book)

Extended Sermons

“Teaches you don’t need to be a scholar or know everything to be used by God. (God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called)” → Not one of the disciples Jesus chose brought a resume, references, or qualifications. None of them walked into discipleship with spiritual credentials, ministry experience, or theological training. None of them had a ministry portfolio showcasing past sermons, leadership roles, or spiritual accomplishments. None of them had a list of endorsements from respected rabbis or community leaders. None of them had a polished skill set that made them stand out from the crowd. None of them had a strategic plan for how they would serve, grow the church, or impact the Kingdom. None of them had strong communication skills or the ability to articulate deep spiritual truths. None of them had leadership experience that proved they could guide others. None of them had a spiritual pedigree or a family background that made them “ministry material.” None of them had the right connections — no influence, no network, no platform. None of them had marketing ability or administrative skills. But what they did bring was availability, teachability, and a willingness to leave their old life behind. What they did bring was a heart that could be shaped — not perfect, but open. A desire to grow — even if they didn’t know how. A willingness to listen — even when they didn’t fully understand. A readiness to follow — even without knowing the destination. A simple faith — small, but sincere. A hunger for truth — even if their understanding was limited. A willingness to try again — after failure, fear, or confusion. A spirit that could be corrected — not defensive, but moldable. A willingness to be stretched — beyond comfort, beyond familiarity. A willingness to obey — not perfectly, but genuinely. A willingness to be used — even if they didn’t feel usable.

“Calls for partnering with people outside your typical culture and social circles that you wouldn’t normally connect with.” → Consider the sheer friction built into this group, Matthew was a tax collector (working for the oppressive Roman government). While Simon the Zealot belonged to a political faction that literally wanted to assassinate Roman officials and collaborators yet they came together to follow Jesus. You find the same thing in the church today between a Charismatic worshipper and a Liturgical worshipper. One person loves expressive worship — hands raised, prophetic moments, extended altar time. Another finds God in liturgy — creeds, confessions, reverence, quiet beauty. They both worship the same God just in different styles, different rhythms, different expressions. You find it in “Church‑growth strategist” vs. the “Revival‑focused intercessor” One thinks in: Systems, Metrics, Leadership pipelines, Outreach strategies. The other in Prayer, Fasting, Spiritual hunger, Awakening. They’re both passionate. They’re both sincere. They’re both needed. You find it in the Cessationist teacher vs. the Charismatic intercessor. One believes the miraculous gifts ceased. One believes they’re active today. They both pray. They both serve. They both love Scripture.

Additional Notes & Applications

Teaches how the Lord uses the most unlikely of people to accomplish His ministry purposes.

Teaches how ministry does not depend on how qualified or equipped we are, but rather on an open and willing heart.

Teaches how Jesus chooses people based on His own power in what He can make of them. There’s nothing special or unique about you that separates you from the rest of the herd.

Teaches how Jesus isn’t looking for superstars, He’ s looking for common ordinary men & women who will surrender all for Him and His Kingdom.

Displays no matter our struggles or failures God can still use us to do the impossible

Teaches no matter how unqualified or unworthy you feel you are God can still use you in changing the world around you.

Teaches how God use all personality types — the bold like Peter, the fiery like James and John, the analytical like Thomas, the quiet like Bartholomew, the unlikely like Matthew, the intense like Simon the Zealot, and even the conflicted like Judas  — shaping each one into instruments of His Kingdom.

Teaches since the disciples are listed in pairs of two, no one is an island on their own, but are meant to labor together as a team in Christian missionary work.

Teaches how Judas’s being among the twelve shows that being close to Jesus and the things of God is not the same as truly loving God.

Requires believers the ability to work with people of diverse genders, ages, backgrounds, education, personalities, and upbringings.

Teaches that, just as Jesus used some of the lesser-known disciples, He also works through those who are unnoticed and unknown. (Just because your unknown to some people doesn’t mean your work isn’t important.)

Teaches by choosing Matthew, a despised tax collector, Jesus calls even those hated and rejected by society to serve in His Kingdom work

Teaches by choosing Judas, Jesus knows the heart and yet still extends grace even to those who reject and oppose Him. (Jesus knows future choices and still gives opportunities even to those who will reject Him.)

Note: When we look at the characteristics of these Twelve disciples/apostles we find a universal lack of faith, mutual jealousy, helplessness in the face of challenges. Others were marked by pride, impatience, narrow-mindedness, fearfulness, and even misguided zeal. Some carried the baggage of sinful pasts, others struggled with doubt, they argued, they misunderstood, they stumbled, and they failed. They were inconsistent men—fragile in conviction, slow in understanding, easily shaken, and often more driven by personal agendas than kingdom vision. You have to stop and ask the question; “What in the world was Jesus thinking when He chose these guys”? We have to assume Jesus didn’t place a “Help wanted” ad in the Jerusalem Gazette or post on Craigslist: “Apostle wanted — must be outspoken, fearless, spiritually mature, emotionally stable, conflict‑free, and able to perform miracles on demand.’ If He had, none of these men would have applied, and none of them would have qualified. But in order to be fair we have to ask “What was Jesus thinking when He picked me”? Because the truth is, the same flaws we see in the Twelve are the same flaws He saw in us. He saw our inconsistency, our fears, our doubts, our pride, our past failures, our hidden sins, our insecurities, our stubbornness, and our tendency to run from hard things rather than toward them. He saw our divided hearts, our weak faith, our moments of jealousy, our seasons of spiritual apathy, and our inability to stand strong without His help. And yet—He still called us. He still wanted us. He still believed He could shape something eternal out of something so fragile. The question isn’t Why would Jesus choose men like them? The real wonder is Why would Jesus choose someone like me? And the answer is the same: because His grace is greater than our weakness, His purpose is stronger than our past, and His calling rests not on who we are, but on who He is. Jesus chose these men and us—not because we were spiritually elite, but because His grace delights in transforming the ordinary, the flawed, and the unlikely. Their weaknesses became the very platform for His power. Their limitations became the canvas for His glory. In choosing men with such visible shortcomings, Jesus demonstrated that the advance of His kingdom never depends on perfect people, but on surrendered hearts shaped by a perfect Savior.

Note: Seeing the presence of “Judas” who betrayed Jesus among the Apostles teaches us that God can still accomplish His purposes through the righteous and the wicked. And second seeing the presence of this traitor among the Apostles also teaches the church not to be overly discouraged when wickedness and sin is found where righteousness and holiness should resign. Servants of wickedness will always be found in places where servants of righteousness will be. This is the weeds that Jesus will be found among the wheat, and the wolves among the sheep.(    )