Jesus gets his disciples ready to be kingdom builders
(From the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 10, verses 40-42)

When Jesus was alive on earth, many, many people were poor, sick, hungry, or lonely. They felt better when Jesus treated them kindly, laid his hands on them, and prayed for them. His kindness made God's love feel real to them. Jesus taught everyone that God's love never runs out. Jesus also told everyone that God was building his kingdom on earth, just like it already was in heaven.

Jesus asked his special friends, the disciples, to help him spread the good news about God's kingdom-building. He asked them to make people who were going through bad times feel better. He asked them to help people feel like they were part of God's kingdom.

The disciples wanted to help Jesus, but they weren't sure they could do what he was asking. They weren't sure they knew how to make people feel better. Also, they worried that some people would be mean to them. At that time, many people did not like Jesus. His disciples knew that some people would not like them either because they were his friends.

Jesus helped the disciples get ready to do this important work. This is what he told them: "God wants everyone to love and respect each other. God wants everyone to be treated fairly. That's what it means to be part of God's kingdom. You and I have the very same work – to help build God's kingdom here on earth! God gave me kingdom-building work to do, and now I am sharing my work with you. You are my disciples. You speak and act for me everywhere you go. So when someone welcomes you, it's just like that person is welcoming me. When people become friends with me, they feel like they are part of God's kingdom. When they become friends with you, they will feel like they are part of God's kingdom, too. What a great feeling that is! Like winning a huge reward!"

Questions to think and pray about:
Has someone's touch ever made you feel better?
Who do you know who is going through a bad time?
What would Jesus do to make that person feel better?
As Jesus' disciple, how can you make that person feel better?

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