Matthew 11:1  When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. (NLT)

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Sometimes, it’s helpful to remember that the chapter and verse designations in our Bibles were not part of the original manuscripts. It’s important to remember this because, now and again, a verse gets orphaned or misplaced. For example, this verse, Matthew 11:1, concludes to the passage that began with 10:5. Verse 5 says, “Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: . . .”

The instructions end in verse 42. The assumption we rightfully make is that this is when the apostles left on their missions with the authority Jesus gave them (10:1). 

I have often wondered what Jesus did after he sent out the apostles. Did he sit around waiting for them to come back? Did he luxuriate on watermelon and fresh-baked bread dipped in fresh-squeezed olive oil? Did he nap in the heat of the day?

The chapter and verse designations, which were added later, and helpfully so, unfortunately separate 11:1 from chapter 10. Chapter 11 begins with the clear note that Jesus “went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region.” 

Jesus lived the same mission he shared with the apostles. 

Jesus did what he asked others to do. Jesus never asks us to do something he would not do if he were not here in the flesh. He sends us with authority to help and heal, to speak the truth in love, to live as his ambassadors. He empowers us for all we experience. He is with us, he lives in us, everywhere we go, and in everything we do. 

Jesus is at work all around us. He invites us to join him. He equips, sends, and receives us with joy. He uses us to announce the good news of his grace and mercy. He makes us change agents in the movement he began two thousand years ago. 

Wherever you go today, you are on mission with Jesus. You carry him within you, you generously share him with others, you bear the fruit of his Spirit. The world will be a better place because you are on mission with Jesus. 

Who will benefit from your living on mission today? 

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I will live on mission with Jesus.

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Our Father, empower me for all that is before me today. May I live this day in the authority you have given me to fulfill your purpose for my life. Use me to draw to yourself everyone I meet. Make me a carrier and distributor of your mercy and grace, kindness and love. Amen.