INTRODUCTION

In Matthew 10 we have the Jesus work description for the twelve disciples, that is, those in training and preparation. With the impartation of authority they became His apostles, that is, His sent representatives, to proclaim His message in the demonstration of His power. (Matthew 10:1-2).

The Jesus work description will give you insight and understanding of your own leadership responsibilities and principles of operation.

1. CALLING AND ENABLEMENT TO DO THE WORK (Matthew 10:1-4)

1.1. PREPARATION FOR SERVICE IS THE OUTCOME OF BEING CALLED TO BE WITH HIM

Matthew 10:1 "And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him ..."

These were the twelve He had appointed to be with Him.

Mark 3:14 "Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,"

Being with Him was the method Jesus used to train them to do service for Him. It is essential for you to spend time WITH Jesus and learn from Him and of Him, to become effective in serving Him. Do not neglect the call to be with Him, to experience Him as companion, teacher, example, and His majestic Lordship. Without doubt spending time with Jesus will positively transform you, making your leadership effective and God-glorifying.

Living with Jesus will activate you to live the kind of life Jesus lived. When you neglect THE JESUS EXPERIENCE it affects what your walk ought to be (1 John 2:6). Occupied with Jesus you will reproduce His attitude of unselfishness, servanthood, humility, and obedience to God. You could check how you think about yourself with the way Jesus thought about Himself. Read carefully Philippians 2:5-11. By spending such time with Jesus you will have stamped upon your own heart His disposition and attitudes, by the Holy Spirit. He will also nurture and manifest the likeness of Jesus in your conduct and form of leadership.

1.2. TIME SPENT WITH JESUS WILL BE CLEARLY PERCEIVED BY OTHERS

	By the absence of your self-promotion.
	By your self-forgetfulness in helping the advance of others.
	By your non-insistence of your privileges and rights.
	By your promoting the interests of others.
	By your tender concern and care for others, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
	By your love that does not give up on others, always looking for the best for them.
	By your obedience to God no matter what the cost - willingly putting your life at risk for Him.
	By doing readily and cheerfully everything that the Lord requires.
	By letting God work in you what brings Him satisfaction and joy.
	By your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit who reveals Jesus intimately to you and through you in empowered service.
	By your enthusiasm in making the most of every opportunity of service before your workday is over (John 9:4).

1.3. SOME WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN RESPOND TO HIS CALL TO BE WITH HIM

	Be with Him to give Him heartfelt praise and giving of thanks (Hebrews 13:15).
	Be with him to get to know His love relationship with you in a real, personal way (Ephesians 2:17-18).
	Be with Him in dependence on your helper the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26- 27).
	Be with Him to listen to His purposes and instructions (John 2:5).
	Be with Him to learn His principles for life and practice (John 8:29).
	Be with Him to adjust to His manner of working (John 9:4; 12:26).
	Be with Him to prepare yourself for service (John 14:21; Acts 6:4).
	Be with Him to minister to Him (Acts 13:1-2).
	Be with Him to open your heart about those with whom you work (Hebrews 12:14-15).

1.4. POWER FOR SERVICE IS THE OUTCOME OF BEING CALLED TO HIM (Matthew 10:1)

Those who were specially His, were called to Him so that in the presence of the Lord they could be empowered for special work. As representatives of their Lord they were given power to do their Lord's works.

	You should come to the Lord for authority, gifts of power and for strength.
	With His sending He gives the power to do that for which you are sent.
	The Lord gives power that is all-embracive for any need or situation you may encounter.

He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Matthew 10:1 "... He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease."

	For what you are called to do He will give the authority and ability.
	Along with your proclaiming the kingdom of God, there will be demonstration of kingdom power.
	The key to a ministry of authority is responding to His invitation to come to Him. He alone can impart power.
	Ministry priority is still to those demonised, diseased and sick, the bruised and hurting.

1.5. ALL WHO SERVE HIM ARE PERSONALLY CALLED BY NAME (Matthew 10:2-4)

The disciples became sent ones with delegated authority, so were designated His apostles. The names of the twelve are: (Matthew 10:2-4 NKJV).

Matthew 10:2 "... first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;"

Peter is mentioned first in all four lists of the twelve apostles (Mark 3:16; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13).

D.A. Carson in his commentary on Matthew's gospel comments: "Matthew uses 'first' in connection with Peter; the word cannot mean he was the first convert, (Andrew or perhaps John was), and probably does not mean 'first on the list', which would be a trifling comment (Cf 1 Corinthians 12:28), more likely it means primus inter pares (first among equals)." Expository Bible Commentary - Zondervan

It was Andrew who brought his brother Simon Peter to Christ (John 1:40-42). James and John were also brothers. It is wonderful when brothers come to Christ and are both employed in the service of Christ. Interestingly the list of the twelve continues in pairs.

Matthew 10:3,4 "Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; ⁴ Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him."

The pairing may indicate their being sent out two by two. (Mark 6:7).

Their individuality is emphasised by the use of their names. While each was a disciple and apostle they were distinct in personality and temperament which brought variety and richness to their form of leadership.

	Simon Peter in leadership would enthuse others with his impulsive, open-hearted affection.
	Andrew in leadership was impassioned with a compulsion to bring others to Christ, and would infect those he led with the same eagerness.
	James the son of Zebedee, in leadership was zealous. He became the first martyr (Acts 12:2). Those he led would be daring for Christ.
	John, his brother, in his leadership became the apostle of love (1 John 4:7- 21). He lived close to Jesus and was known as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." The Jesus love, reflected in his actions and words, deeply affected all he led.
	Philip in his leadership would exercise practical calculation of demands and needs (John 6:5-7). People he led would be taught how to weigh things with care, and face their duties responsibly.
	Bartholomew (Nathaniel) in leadership was a genuine person. He was called by Jesus, an Israelite in whom there was no trickery or deceit (John 1:47).Those he led would be influenced to live transparent lives.
	Thomas in his leadership would emphasis commitment to Christ, even to death (John 11:16), and Christ as the answer to ignorance (John 14:5). Also convinced confession of Christ's divinity (John 20:29).
	Matthew in his leadership brought to the work his training in systematic methods, evident in his writing of the gospel.
	James the son of Alphaeus in his leadership put Jesus first, happy to be little or less, that his Lord be glorified.
	Lebbaeus surnamed Thaddaeus, in his leadership prioritized loving obedience. The insight is implied by the fact he was also known as Judas the son of James (Luke 6:16. John 14:22). Unlike the traitor, he loved and obeyed, and enjoyed blessedness.
	Simon the Canaanite, called the Zealot, (Luke 6:15). In his leadership he was zealous for Christ, and inspired others to have a zeal according to knowledge.
	Judas Iscariot failed in his leadership. He betrayed Jesus and lost all - a solemn reminder that even among sent ones there can be the uncommitted. A betraying, failed ministry can have a devastating effect on those they influence.

	You are called by name. You are personally precious to the Lord.
	Your disposition and abilities contribute to usefulness in the Lord's service.
	You, like the twelve, are not exceptional in yourself. Your extraordinary development is through association with Jesus Christ your Lord.
	You experience special enablement and signs because the Lord is working with you (Mark 16:20).
	You are known by name as one who represents the Lord. You are known in your locality, and to authorities and demons.
	Your work is not in vain in the Lord.
	Your careful following of Christ will make you a leader safe for others to follow.

INTERACTIVE QUESTIONS

1. Do you regard it as very important to set aside special time to be with Jesus? How do you use your time with Him?
2. How do you protect your quality time with Jesus when involved with a busy schedule?
3. What are the evident benefits of you spending time with Jesus, to you personally and to others?
4. Do you rely on the Lord for the authority, power and strength to do what He has called you to do?
5. What makes you a leader that is safe for others to follow? What is distinctive in your kind of leadership?