Book of Matthew - Chapter 10 - Verse 5

When Jesus sent out his twelve disciples, he gave them specific instructions on where to go and whom to preach to. By instructing them not to go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, Jesus was focusing their mission on the Jewish people, as he had come to fulfill the promises made to the children of Israel. This directive was not a sign of prejudice or discrimination, but rather a strategic decision to prioritize reaching out to the people who were most closely connected to the teachings and prophecies of the Old Testament. Jesus knew that by first ministering to the Jewish people, his message would eventually spread to the rest of the world through the disciples' obedience and the divine plan of salvation. This verse highlights Jesus' intentionality and foresight in fulfilling his mission to bring salvation to all people, starting with those who were waiting for the promised Messiah.

One theological interpretation of this verse from the Gospel of Matthew is that Jesus was initially focusing on the Jewish people before expanding his ministry to the Gentiles and Samaritans. By instructing his disciples to avoid these groups at first, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of reaching out to his own people who were already familiar with the teachings of the Old Testament. This directive can be seen as a strategic approach to spreading the message of the Gospel in a gradual and intentional manner. Additionally, this verse highlights the cultural and religious divisions that existed during that time, as the Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles all had different beliefs and practices. Through this passage, Jesus was also demonstrating the importance of respecting and ministering to each group in its own unique context.