Matthew 10:26–42 records Jesus’ instructions to his disciples on their first mission, and his prophetic revelation of how much God values the work of the twelve, how it is to be received, and why it must all occur in this way. This passage was given not just in regard to this first mission, but for the lifelong work of the twelve apostles, who will also be missionaries to the people, even when the commission to evangelize the Gentiles has been added (Matthew 28:19–20). In fact, much of this address also applies to their work among the Gentiles. Just as Christ will suffer on the cross, so the preaching of his word will involve suffering among the Gentiles. Christ also stresses the need for repentance of unbelieving Jews.
Matthew 10:26–42 outlines the continuing course of the preaching of the gospel, starting with the opposition to the apostles, which will continue until Christ returns in the final triumph of the gospel. Jesus’ words regarding the reception of the gospel will be received are therefore part of its proclamation.
Throughout this address recorded in Matthew 10:26–42, Jesus provides the necessary instructions for this first mission upon which he sends the disciples after having given them power over demons. This address has a distinctly prophetic character in that it reveals to the entire audience how much God values the work of the twelve, how it is to be received, and why it must all occur in this way.1
When the address is considered as a whole, it is clear that it had not been given exclusively for the purposes of this first missionary journey only but was intended to apply to the lifelong work of the twelve apostles. They remain sent as missionaries to the people, even when the commission to evangelize the Gentiles is added later on (Matthew 28:19–20). In fact, much of this address also applies to their work among the Gentiles. Since the prophetic address is rooted in Christ’s suffering on the cross, it follows that the preaching of his word must likewise entail following the path of suffering among the Gentiles. Even long after the twelve apostles have completed their earthly task, it still remains necessary to emphasize the decisive character of their mission and teaching to unbelieving Jews. If the house of Israel wishes to be the flock of the Lord, then it must learn to live according to their missionary instructions rather than the words of the rabbis.2
Matthew 10:26–42 testifies to the continuation of the gospel’s message. In this passage Christ highlights the development or course of the preaching of the gospel. It starts with the apostles, who will encounter much opposition and this opposition is bound to continue until Christ returns and the complete triumph of the gospel shines through. The very words of Jesus regarding how the gospel will be received therefore in and of itself have to form part of their proclamation thereof.3
26 Ne les craignez donc point; car il n'y a rien de caché qui ne doive être découvert, ni de secret qui ne doive être connu.