In our last study of our “I Am” series we looked at how Jesus says he is willing to heal us and help us in our struggles. This time, we will look at a command Jesus gives his followers and what it means for us now. 

In Matthew 10, Jesus gives his disciples instructions for going into the cities in towns of Jerusalem and proclaim Jesus to the people. He gives them authority and gives them instructions of where to go and what to do. He tells them to tell people “the kingdom of God has come near” (Matthew 10:7). Jesus tells them to take nothing with them and enter the home that welcomes them and leave the ones that don’t.  

What Jesus tells his disciples next may not be as inviting. Jesus says in verse 18, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.”. Jesus tells his disciples that he is sending them like sheep among wolves. Wolves are the main enemy to the sheep and like to hunt the herds and find the weakest ones and attack. Jesus says this will be just like them because of the rejection and hatred they will receive. The flogging, beating, and rejection they will get because they are proclaiming the name of Jesus. 

Even in today’s world, Jesus is still sending us out among the people to proclaim his name. There are still just as many wolves out there and though we may not be flogged, there will still be rejection. We should also be willing to be sent by God just as the prophet Isaiah was. In Isaiah 6:8 it says, ““Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”” Jesus is sending us and we should be willing to be sent to proclaim the name of Jesus. 

Not only is Jesus sending us, he has also sent someone to us. Jesus says he will send the Holy Spirit to us. In John 14:26 Jesus says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” Jesus claims the Holy Spirit is being sent to us who are being sent by Jesus. We are being sent out and so the Holy Spirit will be sent to us so we can remember the teachings of God when we proclaim the name of Jesus.  

As you can see, Jesus is sending those who bear his name into the world. With them, he sends the Holy Spirit to equip and help them on their journey. If you are a follower of Jesus, is he sending you?