Read: Matthew 10:16-23
Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. (v. 23 NIV)
Ever since the beginning of the Jesus movement, his followers have believed that he was returning “soon.” In Matthew 10 as Jesus instructs his twelve closest followers about replicating his ministry to Jews he hasn’t yet visited, he seems to say he will come back even before they finish this mission. Was he that mistaken?
The answer lies in recognizing the structure of Jesus’s message. Matthew 10:5-15 applies directly as the Twelve set off around Galilee. Certain homes will welcome them and their message (vv. 11-13). Later Jesus will actually rescind his teaching about traveling light (cf. vv. 9-10 with Luke 22:35-38). Matthew 10:16 prepares them for a more ominous reception later, when they will need to be shrewd. Verses 17-42 present the hostility that the disciples can expect, though we learn of it only in Acts and the rest of the New Testament outside the Gospels. It will happen after Jesus’s death.
Since verse 23 falls in this last, major part of Matthew 10, it must also refer to later events. Jesus’s followers will never have completed evangelizing all the Jewish people, whether in Israel or elsewhere (recall vv. 5-6) before his return, even though it remains a priority. That still remains true today and should motivate us to continue sharing our faith with all who will listen.
As you pray, ask God for guidance in finding and sharing with those whose hearts are receptive to the gospel.
Craig L. Blomberg is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He has written or edited more than 30 books, including a recently revised and expanded commentary on Matthew. He teaches regularly in churches, including his home church of Centennial Covenant in Littleton, CO. He and his wife Fran have two daughters and three grandchildren.
