Sally A Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary
The opening verse of today’s Gospel reading (Mt 9:35-10:8) echoes Mt 4:23. These verses bracket Mt’s five-chapter summation of Jesus’ mission. Chs 5-7 (the Sermon on the Mount) present the essence of Jesus’ teaching about the ways of the reign of heaven. Chs 8-9 present Jesus’ enactment of that reign. He breaks the grip of evil forces that affect human lives. He heals “every disease and every sickness” (v 9:35b). Moved to wrenching compassion for the throngs that flock to him like helpless “sheep without a shepherd” (9:36c), Jesus turns to his disciples. The needy are a harvest ready for gathering; the disciples must “ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers” (v 38).
The disciples themselves become the answer to that prayer (10:1ff). Jesus empowers and sends twelve “apostles” (named in vv 2-4) to undertake a three-fold mission, identical to his own: to set free those oppressed by forces beyond their control, to “cure every disease and every sickness” (see 9:35 and 10:1), and to announce that “the kingdom of heaven” has touched earth (10:7). Down centuries, in diverse times and places, the church has discerned here the outlines of its own vocation.
A helpful approach to this week’s sermon may be to imagine with the congregation—concretely and practically—what some aspect of this three-fold mission might look like in their immediate context. While sweeping generalities like “confronting oppression,” “sharing the good news,” or “bringing healing and hope” sound impressive, they will not evoke action unless translated into locally recognizable needs and opportunities. How can our listeners participate, locally and effectively, in setting others free from oppressive powers? Who in our immediate community suffers from food insecurity, isolation, or inability to get help due to language barriers? Where and how can we come alongside vulnerable people, listen to them, and connect them with life-changing resources?
Three thematic preaching options are worth considering. First, the gut-wrenching compassion of Jesus for the suffering crowd ignites the disciples’ mission. Compassion (“feeling with”) only develops when we get close enough to sufferers to truly know and care for them. When we become fully present and deeply open to others’ suffering, we act courageously. Another thematic approach would help listeners discover modern analogs to the NT phenomenon of demon possession. What situations cause people to feel gripped by forces beyond their control? Addiction to a substance or behavior is one example. Other analogs are domestic abuse, human trafficking, racial harassment, or the harassment of refugees and immigrants. We can help victims find liberation from such realities.
Third, in some congregations, outward-directed action is inhibited by self-absorbed, paralyzing internal debate and division. Yet, today’s Gospel text suggests that a shared commitment to persons in need can forge ties of common concern, despite ongoing tension. Commentators note that Jesus sends both Simon the Zealot (Canaanian), opposed to Roman rule, and Matthew, a collector of Rome’s taxes, to bear witness in word and deed to the reign of heaven. When we choose to become allies in the work of lifting others’ burdens, mutual respect and forbearance can flourish among us.
Insights into Biblical Greek Grammar and Syntax 