(j) The blasting of the fig tree near Bethany (Matt. XXI:18-20). See Mark XI:12-14, who explains the absence of figs on the tree—"for the time of figs was not yet."[27]
THE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE APOSTLES
Matthew devotes an entire chapter to this subject (Matt. X). This is the first time in Matthew's narrative that the term "Apostles" is applied to the followers or disciples of Jesus (Matt. X:2). Up to this point he has mentioned specifically the calling of only five of the apostles (Matt. IV:18, 21; IX:9), although there are possible references to others (Matt. VIII:19, 21).
The first injunction is that they shall not preach to the Gentiles or Samaritans, but "to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt. X:5, 6).
The only instruction as to the subject-matter of their preachings is that they shall say "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. X:7).
They are told to "heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils" (Matt. X:8).
They are to provide no money for their expenses and carry little raiment (Matt. X:9,10).
When they enter into a city, they are to seek a worthy house and abide therein, and, if a city will not receive and hear them, "It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city" (Matt. X:11-15).
The remainder of the chapter contains warnings of the trials that will befall the apostles on their mission, admonitions against losing their courage and promises of the rewards that will follow the faithful performance of their work. Jesus also predicts the family dissensions that will accompany the gradual introduction of His Gospel, and in that connection uses the expression: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword" (Matt. X:34).