Sent with Nothing but Faith: Jesus Prepares the Twelve
July 10, 2025 - Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Matthew 10:7-15
Imagine being sent on a mission with no money, no luggage, and no place to stay. That’s exactly what Jesus asked of the Twelve in His second great discourse in the Gospel of Matthew. Their task? Proclaim the good news and heal the sick—but only among the “lost sheep of Israel” (Matt 10:6). This mission wasn’t yet global; it was a focused beginning, a kind of spiritual training ground.
Their message would be the same one Jesus preached: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” And their actions would mirror His: casting out demons and healing the sick. But there’s a key detail—none of this power was theirs. It was given to them by grace. That’s why they were not to accept money in return. Just as Jesus gave freely, they too must give freely (see Acts 8:18–24).
Trust Without a Wallet
To underline the lesson, Jesus told them to leave behind gold, silver, and copper—the cash of their day. They would go with empty pockets, relying completely on God’s providence. A few chapters earlier, Jesus had reminded them not to worry about food or clothing (Matt 6:25–34). “Your Father knows what you need.”
Now, that teaching was no longer theoretical—it became their lived experience. Walking without money meant walking by faith. That kind of trust would be essential later, when their mission would extend to every nation. It’s a striking reminder that the success of Christian mission doesn’t come from money, but from faith.
Street-Smart Missionaries
But faith alone wasn’t enough. Jesus also taught them to be prudent. They weren’t to stay just anywhere, but to seek out people of good reputation. This wasn’t about comfort—it was about strategy. They needed a stable base, a trustworthy household from which to operate.
This method would become a pattern in the early Church. Most first missionaries were Jewish, and they often began their work within Jewish communities. The synagogue was a natural starting point—a place to meet people, find hospitality, and share the message.
And if they arrived in a town where they knew no one? Jesus assured them that God’s providence would lead them to the right person. Lydia, a businesswoman from Philippi, is a perfect example (Acts 16:11–15). She welcomed Paul and his companions, and her home became the first Christian house church in Europe.
The Peace of Christ
Jesus also taught them what to say. The greeting was simple: “Shalom.” But this word carried deep meaning. In Hebrew, shalom doesn’t just mean peace. It means wholeness—health, security, harmony, and blessing. It’s the kind of peace that says, “All is well.”
In fact, God is even called Adonai-shalom—“The Lord, All-Is-Well” (Judges 6:24). After the resurrection, Jesus greets His disciples with the same blessing: “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). He Himself is our peace (Eph 2:14). That’s why every letter of Paul begins with this phrase: “Grace and peace to you.”
So when the apostles offered this peace, they were offering more than a polite greeting. They were offering the very presence and power of the risen Christ. That gift was worth more than any treasure they could carry.
When the Message Is Rejected
But Jesus was realistic. Not everyone would receive them. Some towns and homes would close their doors. Some hearts would close, too.
What were the apostles to do then? Leave. Without bitterness, without compromise. Like Paul in Antioch of Pisidia, they were to shake the dust from their feet and move on (Acts 13:51). It wasn’t just a gesture—it was a warning. Rejecting the messengers meant rejecting the message, and the consequences were eternal.
Jesus doesn’t soften His words: “It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town” (Matt 10:15). A hard truth, but a necessary one. Grace rejected becomes judgment.
A Final Word
So what does this all mean for us?
We may not be sent out barefoot or without a wallet. But we are sent. And we’re called to carry the same message and the same peace into our world. That means living with trust in God, not in wealth. It means using wisdom, not just passion. And it means recognizing that some will listen—and some will walk away.
Still, we go. Still, we bless. Still, we proclaim: The kingdom of heaven is near.
Because Jesus is with us. And in Him, all is well.