Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority over the unclean spirits to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon, the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, the man who would betray him. Jesus sent these twelve on mission with the instruction: «Do not visit pagan territory and do not enter a Samaritan town. Go instead to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. Go and proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near’».
Source: http://evangeli.net/gospel/
Analysis
Today's passage is quite unremarkable really, as it only describes the time where Jesus called for His twelve disciples. Jesus gave authority to them over unclean spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. And then, Jesus told them to not go to pagan territory or a Samaritan town, and instead only go to the Israelites, and proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is near. What I find interesting here is the fact that Judas' future betrayal is already revealed here, as if the author despises and loathes Judas so much for the betrayal. I also find it interesting how Jesus commanded the disciples not to go to pagan territory or a Samaritan town, I'll explain further on.
While most Christians condemn the pharisee, scribes, the Romans, the elders, the teachers, and of course, Judas, I believe we Christians and perhaps the entire world should be grateful for them. What am I saying may seem weird, but is Judas' actions unplanned by God or planned by God? After all, Judas' betrayal aided Jesus in the sacrifice, as well as the Romans and the Jewish high officials. Aren't their actions a fulfillment of God's plan and also the prophecies? So why are they being hated so much? I understand if it is their behavior that is reviled, I too condemn both hypocrisy and disloyalty, but the hypocrisy and disloyalty of the Jewish officials, Romans, and Judas aided in salvation, their rejection made them saved. Imagine if nobody rejected or betrayed Jesus, perhaps He would never die and no one will be saved.
The latter part of this passage, where Jesus told His disciples not to go to pagan territory or to Samaritan towns, is indicative of Jesus' human nature and His fallibility. You see, it seems that at first, Jesus had some form of arrogance of His Jewish nation, and thus believed that He was there only for the Jews. This makes no sense, as the day of judgement applies to Jews and non Jews, and this is one part where Jesus was wrong. Though unlike His comment on Peter and the future Church, Jesus seemed to slowly change His mind over time. And in the end, He understood that His message is for every being on this earth and not only the Jews. Regardless, in this specific passage Jesus is indeed in the wrong. And thus, that is all I have to say, have a nice day and see you tomorrow.
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