In the Book of Numbers, Moses sends out 12 people from the camp of Israel to take a look into Canaan. Yet, in the book of Matthew, Yeshua sends out 12 trusted disciples into the towns and cities that belong to Israel. Is there a comparison and if so, what is it?
I would love to share my thoughts specifically on this topic, but I’m on the road this week and unable to write. So, I’ll share a few questions that might help you find the answer. These questions come from this week’s study of Shelach meaning to: “Send for Yourself.”
- When you compare Numbers 13 to Matthew 10, would you determine the gospel message of Messiah is only for the tribes of Israel? Canaan was to be cleared out during the era of Moses. And during the ministry of Yeshua, Gentiles and Samaritans were to be ignored. If this is really true, why do we have the picture of Israel saving the non-Israelite prostitute woman in Jericho? (Joshua 2)
- Yeshua healed the Samaritan woman (Jn. 4) as well as many others who did not belong to the tribes of Israel in his ministry. Why? Was it to make Israel jealous? Was it to remind Israel about their mission? Or, was it to remind Israel that they could be rejected? (Amos 5:21-23)
- Could there be a historical timeline involved with both Matthew and Numbers that gives a glimpse into Yahweh’s purposes? For instance: Why was Canaan to be taken by Israel? And why was Israel to be ministered to first? Would this have anything to do with a promise?
- Who are the wolves Yeshua warns about? What is their purpose?
- In the Book of Hebrews, why does Paul warn against doing what the ancestors of Israel did in the wilderness and what is his remedy?
- Finally, what does it take to have authority over unclean spirits? Can we cast them out? Can we heal disease and sickness. If so, how?
May you all be blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn