THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Mission of the Twelve: Mt 10,5-15
In verse 5 there is simply a reference to the twelve. This time, they are not called disciples (10,1) but they are sent out, the verb form of "apostle".
They are told, in the Greek, not to go in the way of the Gentiles or enter Samaritan cities. This restrictions reflects Jesus' own understanding of his mission as in his reply to the Canaanite woman in 15,24.
Within the story of Matthew's Gospel it would seem that Jesus' ministry was restricted to his own people (though as in Mark but not Luke, Jesus does make a trip to Tyre and Sidon in chapter 15.). Only when the risen Lord commissions his disciples does the commission become universal (28,19). This will be reflected later in this discourse (10,18).
The sheep image is picked up from 9,36 and Jesus' comment about sheep without a shepherd. The same background, Ezekiel 34 for example, applies here as well as there. Jeremiah is similar (Jer 50,6).
Just like Jesus (4,17) the twelve in verse 7 are to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. They are continuing his mission including his deeds as in verse 8.
Thus we have seen in this Gospel how Jesus heals the sick (8,14-15 or 9,22 for example), raises the dead (9,25), cleanses lepers (8,3), drives out demons (8,31 or 9,32).
The reference to 2nd Kings refers to the healing of Namaan the leper whereas 1st Corinthians reflects Paul's personal experience.
In verses 8b-10, itinerant preachers are being described. Matthew in verse 10 has sharpened Mark by adding "no gold, no silver". There is the complete dependence of the missionaries on their hosts. They have to earn their keep, verse 10b.
So the first thing they do in verse 11 is to seek out someone who is worthy, another Matthew emphasis in verse 13.
The ancients had a much more active understanding of greetings than we do. So peace, shalom could be given and it could be taken away if it was not received.
St Paul shakes the dust off his feet after his rejection at Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13,51). Jews used to do this after returning to their land from Gentile territory.
The solemn Amen statement is one of warning for those who reject the missionaries. The destruction of Sodom and Gommorah (Gen 19) became the standard sign of divine judgment in both Old and New Testaments.
Now return to continue our reading.