Matthew 10: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Matthew 10 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jesus called his twelve disciples and gave them authority to cast out unclean spirits and heal diseases (vv. 1-4). He instructed them to go only to the lost sheep of Israel and to proclaim that 'The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!

Key verse

“Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.”
Matthew 10:28 (WEB)

Outline

Matthew 10:1–4 Jesus Calls and Empowers Disciples
Matthew 10:5–15 Instructions for the Mission
Matthew 10:16–23 Warnings about Persecution
Matthew 10:24–31 Discipleship and Fear
Matthew 10:32–39 Confession and Loyalty
Matthew 10:40–42 Rewards for Reception

Discussion questions

In v5, where does Jesus instruct the disciples not to go?
What do the disciples receive in v8 that they are to give freely?
Jesus’ words about the 'lost sheep' in v6: what does this imply about His mission?
The warning in v28 about fearing 'him who is able to destroy': who is Jesus referring to?
When have you felt the need to prioritize your commitment to Jesus over family ties?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Matthew 10: Luke 12, Luke 9, Matthew 16.

Before next time: read Matthew 11.