One More Israelite

Pete Kersker - Nov 17, 2025

Jesus trained his disciples (students) to "go" long before he told them to "go." Jesus invited them to become "fishers of men" and then involved those who showed up. Then, Jesus helped them grow up by empowering them with the Holy Spirit, equipping them with specific instructions, and encouraging them (spurring them on) to "go."

Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 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'" (Matthew 10:1, 5-7 NIV).

The audience that Jesus sent them to, however, changed over time. At first, Jesus showed his disciples (students) how to serve (minister to) him and the other Israelites who followed him. Jesus also showed them how to serve (minister to) larger groups, who were mostly Israelites, who would come to see him. Finally, Jesus sent them out (see above) to call more Israelite to follow him. The message he gave them to proclaim, "The kingdom of heaven has come near," only made sense to Israelites who were looking forward to the arrival of their King (Messiah, Christ).

"Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward" (Matthew 10:40-42 NIV).

Did you know that Jesus taught his disciples (students)
to serve (minister to) different audiences as their training time went on?
Why do you think Jesus did that?

Who does Jesus call you to go serve (minister to)?