Matthew 10:7

Matthew 10:7 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, outlining the core message and mission given to His twelve disciples as He sent them out. This verse encapsulates the urgency and central theme of their initial evangelistic endeavor: the imminent arrival of God's sovereign rule.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' detailed instructions to the twelve apostles in Matthew chapter 10, prior to their first independent mission. Having given them authority over unclean spirits and to heal all manner of sickness and disease (Matthew 10:1), Jesus then outlines their mandate. Their initial outreach was specifically directed towards "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 10:6), focusing on Jewish communities. This mission mirrored Jesus' own initial proclamation, as seen in Matthew 4:17, where He began to preach the same message: "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Key Themes

• The Proclamation of the Kingdom: The central message the disciples were to declare was that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand." This refers to God's kingly rule breaking into human history through Jesus Christ. It signifies a radical shift, inaugurating a new era where God's authority and reign are made manifest.
• Urgency and Imminence: The phrase "is at hand" speaks to the immediate proximity and present reality of the Kingdom. It is not merely a future hope but something that has drawn near and is actively breaking in through Jesus' presence, teachings, and miraculous works. This same sense of urgency was present in Jesus' own ministry (Mark 1:15).
• The Mandate to Preach: The command "preach" (Greek: kēryssō) means to proclaim as a herald, to make a public declaration. It implies an authoritative and urgent announcement, not merely a suggestion. The disciples were to be God's messengers, announcing His reign to the world.

Linguistic Insights

• "Preach" (kēryssō): This Greek verb denotes the authoritative proclamation of a herald. It implies a public, official declaration, much like a royal decree. It's not just sharing an opinion, but announcing a truth with divine backing.
• "Kingdom of heaven" (basileia tōn ouranōn): This is a characteristic phrase of Matthew's Gospel, used interchangeably with "Kingdom of God" found in other Gospels (e.g., Luke 4:43). Matthew, writing to a Jewish audience, likely used "heaven" out of reverence for God's name, avoiding direct mention of the divine name. It refers to God's active reign and sovereignty, both in the present spiritual reality and its future consummation.
• "Is at hand" (ēngiken): This Greek perfect active indicative verb means "has drawn near" or "is imminent." It suggests that the Kingdom has arrived in a preliminary sense through Jesus' person and work, making God's reign accessible to humanity. It's not just coming, but has already entered the present reality.

Practical Application

While the initial mission was specific to the twelve and to Israel, the core message and mandate resonate with believers today. The call to "preach" the good news of God's active reign remains central to Christian discipleship. The Kingdom of God is still "at hand" – in its spiritual reality, accessible through faith in Christ, and in its future hope of full realization at His return. This verse encourages us to:

• Proclaim the Gospel: Like the disciples, we are called to share the transformative message of God's Kingdom, inviting others to repent and believe.
• Live Kingdom Values: Our lives should reflect the values of God's reign—justice, mercy, righteousness, and peace—demonstrating the Kingdom's presence in the world.
• Embrace Urgency: The imminence of the Kingdom should inspire a sense of urgency in our mission and daily walk, knowing that God's plan is unfolding.

Matthew 10:7 serves as a timeless reminder of the essential message and mission entrusted to those who follow Christ, culminating in the broader command of The Great Commission.