Matthew 10:1-8

“These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’” vss. 5-6a 

Sometimes as we read the teachings of Jesus in the gospels, seeking to learn his will for our lives, we’re surprised to discover how deeply rooted he was in his Jewish heritage. Here for instance we read that when he sent his disciples out to continue his ministry, he specifically told them to stay away from Gentiles and Samaritans. Their work should be done only among the Jews!

That news is disappointing to those who would prefer to believe that Jesus had been a Christian! But the truth is that Jesus wasn’t a Christian! He was thoroughly Jewish in his background and understanding of God. He had come to reform Judaism and not to start a new religion, so he focused his energy on those who could understand the radicality of his interpretation of the law and the prophets.

It was only later, after his own people had rejected and murdered him, that the mission was expanded. With his resurrection, under the leadership of his Holy Spirit, the good news began to be proclaimed to people of all backgrounds and races. And it was then that Jesus became known as Christ and his followers were known as Christians.

Thought for the Day: What is the relationship between Jews and Christians now?