Jesus instructed His disciples to go only to the lost sheep of Israel because His earthly ministry was directed solely to the nation of Israel.
In Matthew 10:5-6, Jesus explicitly commanded the twelve to avoid Gentiles and Samaritans, directing them to the lost sheep of Israel. Les Feldick explains that this was because Jesus came to fulfill promises made to Abraham and to the covenant people, and it was not yet time for the Gentiles.
Matthew 10:5-6 — This is the direct instruction where Jesus commands His disciples to go only to the lost sheep of Israel.
Scripture records in Matthew 10:5-6 that Jesus sent out the twelve with a specific command: 'These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' This instruction was not a suggestion but a command from the Lord of Glory. The scope of His earthly ministry was confined to Israel, as seen in His own example and in the limits placed on His disciples.
Les Feldick emphasizes that Jesus' earthly ministry was exclusively directed to the nation of Israel. He explains that Jesus commanded the disciples not to go to Gentiles or Samaritans because it was 'covenant ground' — God's dealings with Israel based on promises to Abraham. It was not time for the Gentiles; that would come later through the Apostle Paul. Les notes that even in His own ministry, Jesus went to Gentiles only in rare exceptions, like the Roman centurion and the Canaanite woman, and even then initially resisted.
Yes, the command in Matthew 10 was given specifically to the twelve disciples whom Jesus chose. Les Feldick points out that Jesus 'commanded them' (the twelve) and that they were sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. Later, the disciples fulfilled this mission by witnessing in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, but never went to the nations of the world.
Les explains that Samaritans were considered half-breed Jews, having lost their pure character, and were detested by pure Jews. Jesus later did go to Samaria, but at this point, the command was clear: they were not to enter any city of the Samaritans.
Les addresses this apparent contradiction by explaining that God had set Israel aside, and then Paul was sent to the Gentiles. There is no contradiction because the timing and purpose were different. During Jesus' ministry, He was fulfilling promises to Israel; afterward, God turned to the Gentiles.
God's Intent for Israel
Les explains God's plan to use Israel to funnel salvation to the Gentiles, but Israel failed, and Jesus' ministry was confined to Israel.
The Command to the Twelve
Les reads Matthew 10:5-6 and emphasizes the plain language of the command to go only to the lost sheep of Israel.
No Contradiction with Paul
Les clarifies that God set Israel aside, and then Paul was sent to the Gentiles, ending any contradiction.
Covenant Ground
Les says Jesus was not bigoted but was fulfilling promises to Abraham, so He commanded the twelve to go only to Israel.
The Narrow Frame
Les reads Matthew 10:5 and asks why Jesus qualified the mission in such a narrow frame, pointing to the focus on Israel.
Covenant Ground
Les states that Jesus confined the ministry to Jews because this was covenant ground, based on God's promises.
Disciples Never Went to Gentiles
Les challenges that the twelve never ministered to Gentiles, even after Acts, because Israel rejected the King.
Samaritans Half-Breed Jews
Les explains why Samaritans were excluded, noting they were half-breed Jews and detested.
Matthew 10:5-6: These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
This is the pivotal instruction that Jesus gave to His disciples, defining the scope of their mission during His earthly ministry.
Ephesians 2:11: Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Paul reminds Gentile believers of their former state, which relates to the historical separation between Jews and Gentiles.
Jesus commanded His disciples to avoid Gentiles because His earthly ministry was directed to Israel. Les Feldick explains this was covenant ground, fulfilling promises to Abraham, and it was not yet time for the Gentiles.
Samaritans were half-breed Jews, detested by pure Jews. Jesus later went to Samaria, but at the time of sending the twelve, they were not to enter Samaritan cities.
Les Feldick states that the twelve never had a ministry among Gentiles, as Israel rejected the King and the opportunity was taken away.
Watch the Teaching: Why Did Jesus Only Go to Israel? Matthew 10:5-6 Explained