The number twelve is a symbol of GOD’S perfect divine government. It can be found over 187 times throughout GOD’S Word, and each time, we see GOD establishing HIS work. Jacob had twelve sons which became the twelve tribes of Israel.  Jesus was twelve years old the first time He ministered in the Temple. When He fed the 5,000, the twelve apostles gathered twelve baskets of leftover bread. During the tribulation, GOD will seal twelve thousand souls from each tribe of Israel. Again we see HIS government perfected in the New Jerusalem. It has twelve gates for each tribe of Israel made of twelve pearls. The wall of the city has twelve foundations representing the twelve apostles, and the length, and breadth, and height is twelve thousand furlongs. Finally there is the tree of life which bare twelve different types of fruit and the leaves are for the healing of the nations.

This is not a coincident, but rather GOD setting a precedent in HIS perfect government and confirming it with HIS seal. HE established HIS Covenant people, and gave them the land of Israel. He established HIS Son, miracle, and healings. HE established His eternal servants which are the first fruits of the harvest.¹ All of this is brought together in the New Jerusalem where HE established life and healing for all eternity. At its foundation, the Marriage Covenant was established with the twelve tribes of Israel. Therefore, it should come as no surprise when Jesus chose twelve apostles to establish the New Marriage Covenant. No detail was left out when GOD set the foundation of HIS government and perfected it in HIS Son.

“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:7

Establishing the New Covenant

When GOD established the Old Covenant with Israel, they entered into the marriage as a whole. If one broke the Covenant, they were all accountable. This is confirmed when “The children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan…took of the accursed thing.” Joshua 7:1 He was only one man, but all Israel was punished. When Israel went to take Ai, “they could not stand before their enemies because they were accursed.” Joshua 7:12 One man’s trespasses cursed all of Israel until he was removed. Not only Achan was put to death, but his entire family as well. Jeremiah prophesied a New Covenant would come where “Everyone shall die for his own iniquity.” Jeremiah 31:30 Under the New Covenant, the people would no longer have to live under a curse. Each of them would be responsible for their own salvation.

At the time of Jesus’ advent, Israel had lived under the Law for hundreds of years. They had a mindset that could only be changed by the power and authority of GOD. John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord, now Jesus was going to send disciples into the cities to let them know deliverance had finally arrived for Israel. He chose twelve from among His disciples and commissioned them to be apostles. “He gave them power against unclean spirits and to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and diseases.” Matthew 10:1 In addition, He gave them twelve specific instructions how to walk in The Servant Covenant. This was their first introduction to abiding in the Holy Spirit. Jesus was also establishing a precedent.

1. Go to the lost sheep of Israel

“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.” Matthew 10:5-6

Jesus sent His apostles to the lost sheep of Israel first in order to fulfill their Ketubah and establish the New. Remember the New Covenant, “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 31:31-32 Even though the Old Covenant had been broken, the New Covenant had to be established through them as well. When Jesus was crucified, He redeemed those who were under the Old Ketubah and all those who would enter into the New. As promised to Abraham, through his seed all of the nations of the Earth would be blessed.

2. Preach

“As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 10:7

John the Baptist came to prepare the people’s hearts to receive their Messiah. He gave them a hope and expectation they would soon be delivered. When Jesus sent the apostles out for the first time, it was to announce salvation had finally come for Israel. It was the first time they were on their own, but they were given authority in His Name. They would continue with this message throughout their life and ministry for the gospel did not change even after the resurrection. It did not change to prosperity; it did not change to a convenient or even more comfortable gospel. They did not preach, “Hurry up and get your healing today before the anointing power diminishes.” It was and still is “repent for the Kingdom of GOD is at hand.” We should be preaching no less than repentance. Just as it was for the early church when they were sowing the seed, we must preach repentance while reaping the harvest.

3. Heal

“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8

The apostles were given power and authority over devils, unclean spirits, sickness and disease to demonstrate the Kingdom of GOD truly had come to Israel. They had not seen this type of power and authority since the prophets. By the time Jesus entered these cities, there should not have been any doubt He was their Mashiach. Even those who were not Disciples of Christ began casting out devils in the Name of Jesus. John said, “Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” Luke 9:49-50 There is power in the Name of Jesus for whosoever will believe. Jesus said, “I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also…” John 14:12 His Word has not been annulled and we have not been disqualified. Just as we have all been commissioned to preach the gospel, we have power and authority through the Name of Jesus Christ as well.

4. Provision

“Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.” Matthew 10:9-10

Although the apostles took nothing for their journey, their every need had been provided for. While Jesus sat at the Last Supper with the twelve, He reminded them how they had lacked for nothing each time they were sent out.² They were learning how to walk in the inheritance.  Later He would direct them to take their purse and script, shoes and sword for this purpose. “That which is written must yet be accomplished in me, And ‘he was reckoned among the transgressors.’” Luke 22:37 What Jesus was saying is it was prophesied He would be accused of being part of a rebellion. Peter solidified this charge by cutting off the ear of Malchus with a sword.³ Nonetheless, after His resurrection, they would walk in His provision once again. It is no less true for us today as it is written, “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

5. Abide among the righteous

“And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.” Matthew 10:11

Jesus did not tell the apostles to abide among the Pharisees or Sadducees. He did not even tell them to rest at the home of the High Priest. He said to ask who is worthy to receive the Kingdom of GOD. He told them to go to the lost sheep of Israel and declare the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Therefore, when they entered a city, those who received their message were worthy, and there they were told to abide. We cannot feed people who are not hungry any more than we can minister healing to a person who is not sick. Just as the apostles were sent to the lost sheep of Israel, every disciple is an ambassador for the gospel.⁴ It does not matter if they are in prison, a bar, or standing on a street corner; if they are willing to receive the gospel message, they are those who are worthy.

6. Bless the house

“When ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.” Matthew 10:12-13

Jesus said “If the house is worthy…” which is to say, if they are in agreement with you. The Greek word “worthy” is axios and it means having the weight of another thing of like value. Therefore, if they were worthy “let your peace come upon it.”  The apostles were operating in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He offered “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, which shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 Not everyone was in agreement with the Gospel and they did not all receive the Word. There were persecutions to come for those Jews who received Jesus, but the peace offered to them would keep them steadfast in their belief and keep their hearts and minds in perfect harmony with Christ Jesus.

7. Shake off the dust

“Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.” Matthew 10:14-15

The apostles were performing many miracles, healing the sick, opening blind eyes, and delivering people from demon possession. This power could have only been given by GOD, and it was a testimony in and of itself the Words they spoke were true. Even so, there were still those who would not receive their testimony especially those of the Sanhedrin.⁵ They fought against the truth even if it meant they had to contradict the prophets. The Pharisees even went as far as to say Jesus cast out devils by the power of Beelzebub.⁶ We cannot confront a person with the truth if they choose not to hear it. The Word tells us not to argue with such people.⁷ As the emanate return of Jesus draws closer, it will be even harder to convince people of the truth with or without miracle, sign, and wonders for Jesus warned us, “False Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.” Mark 13:22

8. Be wise and harmless

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16

Just because we are believers in Christ does not mean we are fools. The apostles were unlearned; they were not considered scholars of the Law or even great orators of the gospel. What they did have, however, was divine wisdom and knowledge. They walked in the guidance and fruit of the Holy Spirit.⁸ Nonetheless, they still had to contend with the flesh as well as we do.  When they were being persecuted,  it  would  have been easy to allow the flesh to rise up rather than allow the Spirit to be in control. Jesus warned them to be wise, but at the same time He wanted them to remember their purpose. If they did not deliver the message with humility, those who wanted to persecute them would have a reason to speak against them. If there is nothing in us, the enemy cannot have anything on us.

9. Be aware

“Beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for testimony against them and the Gentiles.” Matthew 10:17-18

At this time, the apostles had not yet experienced the outrage and indignation of the Pharisees. Now here Jesus was not only sending them out, but He was telling them they would be abused by the very people they were trying to bring the Good News. They would indeed be persecuted, beaten, and imprisoned for the sake of the gospel. Many more would join them throughout the centuries, but Jesus said, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10 Paul wrote, “He that was born after the flesh persecutes him that was born after the Spirit.” Galatians 4:29 Nonetheless, as a bride seeks the will of her husband, “…as he is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17 For us, as the day of His coming draws near, we are warned it will get worse and persecution will come.

10. Take no thought for what you will speak

“When they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:19-22

This scripture reveals the apostles were operating under the power and authority of the FATHER as well, for it was HE who was directing them through HIS Holy Spirit just as HE did HIS Son. Jesus said, “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” John 14:10 This is the same Holy Spirit who filled the apostles on the day of Pentecost. This is the same Holy Spirit who baptized the house of Cornelius.⁹ This is the same Holy Spirit who was given to all believers. Nowhere in the scriptures is it written GOD has ceased speaking to us. Therefore, we do not need to worry about persecutions for “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 He will speak through us as well as a testimony of HIS glory to all who will hear.

11. Preach to another city when persecuted

“When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?” Matthew 10:23-25

This scripture clarifies the mission of the apostles as well as ours…take the gospel to everyone who will listen. If they do not want to receive it, go to those who do. When Jesus was speaking to the twelve on what to expect in the last days he said, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14 With this gospel came persecution for the apostles, for Jesus, and for us for the bride is not greater than her Husband. Today standing for the gospel means being accused of hatred and bigotry or being a racist and homophobe which are all names of demons. This is no different than the Pharisees calling Jesus Beelzebub which was a name for satan. These, of course, are false accusations, but the message of repentance directly contradicts the very sin the world is trying to defend.  Therefore, Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you…pray for them who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 For, they are not attacking us, but rather the GOD of righteousness.

12. Fear not

“Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:26-31

While finishing His instructions to the twelve, Jesus told the apostles three times not to fear. With no coins in their pocket or cloak on their back and persecution looming, the gospel message was more important than any threat coming from the Sanhedrin.¹⁰ They needed to walk in confidence and be bold in the message they were entrusted to deliver. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and the promise of GOD’S protection, the apostles preached repentance through Jesus Christ their Mashiach. In spite of what we may believe, thousands of Jews repented and received Christ as their Go’el HaDahm, their redeemer. If it were not for these early Jewish followers of Christ, the gospel message would never have been brought to the Gentiles. They were the first fearless in their faith and beloved of the FATHER who established the New Covenant for us all.

Perfect Spiritual Order

“After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the LORD of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.” Luke 10:1-2

When the twelve apostles returned, Jesus sent out another group of seventy and gave them the same instructions to “Heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” Luke 10:9 The number seventy has a sacred meaning as well. It is the factor of two perfect numbers. Seven represents perfect completeness while ten represents completeness of GOD’S law. Seventy signifies perfect spiritual order carried out with all power. All the souls who came from Jacob into Egypt were seventy.¹¹ After Moses read the Marriage Covenant and the people agreed to the terms, “then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the GOD of Israel…they saw GOD, and did eat and drink.” Exodus 24:9-11 The elders represented the family of the bride who sat at the Covenant meal eating and drinking with JEHOVAH.

As told in Luke 10:17-20, when the seventy disciples returned, they were excited to report even devils were subject to them through the Name of Jesus.  I can imagine the elders of Israel who sat at the marriage banquet during the first Covenant were just as excited to tell Israel what they had seen. “They saw the GOD of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.” Exodus 24:10 Jesus quickly reminded His disciples, the purpose of their authority through His Name was to bring redemption to those who were lost. He was establishing His New Covenant. He did not want them making the same mistake as the elders of Israel hundreds of years earlier. The same elders, who sat at the table eating and drinking with GOD, broke the Marriage Covenant and began worshiping a golden calf not many days after the meal.

Remember the parable of the King who made a marriage for his son? The king sent other servants to bid them come to the wedding for he had prepared a great feast, but yet they still would not come. Instead some ignored the invitation while others treated the servants viciously and killed others still. The king was angry and killed all those who were called but would not come. Instead, he sent his servants to invite the stranger both bad and good who would accept the invitation so the wedding would be full of guests. Those who try to enter without wedding garments were cast out for Jesus finished His parable by saying, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14

The Pharisees knew Jesus was speaking about His FATHER who is the KING of kings and LORD of lords. Jesus is the Son and those He invited have always been the Jewish people. When they would not accept HIS invitation, He invited as many as would come.  This included the Gentiles as well, but it did not exclude those who originally accepted the invitation. Others who received the invitation but did not prepare themselves for the wedding were cast out. It will be the same for those who do not prepare for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Similarly, when Jesus sent the twelve apostles to Israel, many received the invitation, but there was still room for more. Then Jesus sent the seventy yet there was still room. Then He sent us. Some have been beaten, others persecuted, and many more killed for the sake of the gospel. Nevertheless, despite the adversity, we will all have a seat at His table.

The emphases of the message is not that there was twelve apostles or seventy disciples sent out which resembles the twelve tribes and seventy elders of Israel. This is simply another mystery revealed in GOD’S perfect divine government HE established through HIS Son. The weight of this message we need to convey is how GOD establishes HIS promises, seals it with HIS divine perfection, and confirms it with the patterns established in HIS government. Israel’s bridegroom not only arrived when He was promised, He fulfilled the Old Ketubah, established the New, and sealed them both with His blood which He freely gave on Calvary. There should never be a question as to whether or not a New Covenant would replace the Old for Jeremiah 31:31 clarified this completely. This chapter well defines the beginning of the new relationship between the bride and groom, how Jesus received her, and the commitment she made to Him in the New Ketubah.