Text: Matthew 10:1-4
Jesus would send His apostles into all the world to preach the gospel. These men were chosen from various backgrounds. We do not know what all of them did before Jesus called them, but we do know this for a few. For the ones of whom their background is known, there are some lessons we can learn. We can also see that Jesus offered them (and us) something far better than any earthly employment.
Their Professions Before Becoming Apostles
- Fishermen (Matthew 4:18-21) – difficult work (Luke 5:1-7); dangerous work (Luke 8:22-24); often a family business (Matthew 4:21-22)
- Tax collector (Matthew 10:3; Luke 5:27-28) – their work was associated with the Romans, and many looked down on them for that reason; they were associated with sinners (Luke 5:29-30), and earned a bad reputation (Luke 3:12-13; 19:8)
- Zealot (Matthew 10:4; Luke 6:15) – opposed the Romans; followed the same ideology as Judas of Galilee (Acts 5:37); they were religiously motivated
- Tentmaker (Acts 18:3) – involved in skilled labor; they type of work that would be useful in every location Paul visited (Acts 20:34; 2 Thessalonians 3:8)
How Jesus Offered Something Better
- Fishers of men – Jesus made this connection when He called them to follow Him (Matthew 4:18-22); it is good to be productive in one’s profession, but it is far more important to lead souls to Christ (Proverbs 11:30); must be willing to do difficult and sacrificial work (Luke 9:23; Romans 16:3-4); we also need to use the right “bait,” the word of God (Luke 8:5, 11; Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 4:2)
- Citizens of a heavenly kingdom – unlike Rome, God’s kingdom would endure forever (Daniel 2:44); Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36); we must keep our allegiance in the proper place (Acts 5:29); because our citizenship is in heaven, we must look forward to Christ’s return (Philippians 3:20-21)
- True freedom – the Zealots wanted freedom from Rome, but Jesus offered something better; we can be freed from sin (John 8:31-36); we have freedom in Christ IF we become slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:16-18); we are to act as free men (1 Peter 2:16), even under a tyrannical government (1 Peter 2:13-15)
- A house not made with hands – earthly tents are temporary, but God offers something eternal; our bodies are not made to last forever (2 Corinthians 4:16); God offers us an eternal home in heaven with Him (2 Corinthians 5:1-2)
Conclusion
- One did not need a certain educational or professional background to be called as an apostle
- We do not need a certain educational or professional background to become a Christian
- We need to believe in Christ and obey His will – salvation is open to all (Acts 10:34-35)
