but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus specifically directs the apostles to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," highlighting that the "lost" aspect is emphasized. This points to their spiritual wandering and need for a shepherd, not just their ethnic identity.
but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is commissioning his twelve disciples for their first evangelistic mission. He explicitly instructs them to avoid the Gentiles and Samaritans, focusing their efforts solely on the Jewish people. This limited scope reflects Jesus' own ministry, which was primarily directed towards Israel, preparing them for the Messiah.
Why did Jesus initially restrict his apostles' mission only to the Jewish people? It wasn't a permanent exclusion, but a strategic starting point.
When Jesus sent out his twelve apostles for the first time, he gave them a very specific directive: 'Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' This wasn't a blanket rejection of all other people, but a purposeful focus.
A Covenant People
God's covenant relationship with Abraham and his descendants, the people of Israel, was foundational. Jesus, as the Messiah, was fulfilling ancient promises made to this specific nation. Therefore, the good news of the kingdom was to be offered to them first.
Preparation for the Gentiles
This initial mission was like a preliminary sowing. It prepared the way for the broader commission Jesus would give later: 'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations' (Matthew 28:19). The restricted mission ensured the gospel message had its roots in the established covenant community before expanding outward.
The imagery of 'lost sheep' is powerful. What does it truly convey about the spiritual state of Israel at that time?
Jesus called the people of Israel 'lost sheep.' This isn't just a poetic phrase; it paints a vivid picture of their condition:
Wandering Without a Shepherd
Sheep, especially in ancient times, were vulnerable without a shepherd. They could easily stray, fall prey to predators, or become lost. The religious leaders of Israel, who should have been guiding the people, had largely failed in their duty. They were more concerned with their own traditions and power than with the spiritual well-being of the flock.
Ask a follow-up
In Need of Rescue
The term 'lost' (Greek: 'apollumi') emphasizes a state of ruin, perishing, or being utterly gone. It speaks of a deep spiritual need. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, saw their desperate condition and sent his disciples to seek and save them, to bring them back to the true fold.
Understand the original words
probaton · Greek Noun
Refers to the people of God, often highlighting their vulnerability, straying from God's guidance, and their need for a Shepherd. In the context of Israel, it highlights their covenantal status but also their spiritual wandering.
apollumi · Greek Adjective/Participle
Refers to the state of being spiritually ruined or astray from God. It describes the condition of humanity separated from God, needing divine intervention for restoration.
This directive to focus on 'lost sheep of the house of Israel' highlights the foundational, though temporary, mission to the Jewish people. It underscores that the Gospel, while ultimately for all nations, first had to be offered to those with whom God had the ancient covenant.
Late 8th century BC
Fall of Samaria and Deportation
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deports many of its inhabitants, and resettles the area with foreigners. This event creates a deep animosity between the remaining population (and their descendants) and the Jews of the southern Kingdom of Judah.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports a significant portion of the Judean elite, including young men like Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a period of spiritual and national crisis for the Jews.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This event represents the nadir of Jewish national and religious life.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Allows Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and issues a decree allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. While many return, a significant portion remains in Babylon and other parts of the Persian Empire.
Early 1st century AD
Period of Roman Rule in Judea
Judea is under Roman occupation, with a local Jewish client king or direct Roman governors. This era is marked by political tension, religious fervor, and widespread expectation of a Messiah.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, calling disciples and teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven. His initial outreach is focused on the Jewish people, whom he metaphorically calls 'lost sheep'.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Israel being 'lost sheep' by describing them as having gone astray and being scattered by their shepherds, highlighting the spiritual state Jesus addresses.
Ezekiel 34:11-16This prophecy foretells God Himself seeking out His lost sheep and delivering them, paralleling Jesus' mission and the disciples' task to rescue the spiritually wandering people of Israel.
Isaiah 53:6This verse directly states that 'all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one to his own way,' powerfully illustrating the condition of the 'lost sheep' Jesus refers to.
Luke 19:10Jesus declares His purpose is 'to seek and to save the lost,' reinforcing the core mission stated in Matthew 10:6 of reaching those in a state of spiritual peril.
Romans 15:8This verse explains Jesus' role as a 'minister to the circumcised' to confirm God's promises, providing theological context for why His initial ministry was focused on the house of Israel.
barnesMatthew 10:6: "But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
But go rather to the lost sheep ... - That is, to the Jews. He regarded them as wandering and lost, like sheep straying without a shepherd. They had been the chosen people of God; they had long looked for the Messiah; and it was proper that the gospel should be first offered to them.
vincentMatthew 10:6: "But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
The lost sheep (τὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα)The Greek order throws the emphasis on lost; the sheep, the lost ones. Bengel observes that Jesus says lost oftener than led astray. Compare Matthew 18:12, Matthew 18:14.
Jesus specifically directs the apostles to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," highlighting that the "lost" aspect is emphasized. This points to their spiritual wandering and need for a shepherd, not just their ethnic identity.
Jesus is commissioning his twelve disciples for their first evangelistic mission. He explicitly instructs them to avoid the Gentiles and Samaritans, focusing their efforts solely on the Jewish people. This limited scope reflects Jesus' own ministry, which was primarily directed towards Israel, preparing them for the Messiah.
Jesus is commissioning his twelve disciples for their first evangelistic mission. He explicitly instructs them to avoid the Gentiles and Samaritans, focusing their efforts solely on the Jewish people. This limited scope reflects Jesus' own ministry, which was primarily directed towards Israel, preparing them for the Messiah.
"but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." — Jesus specifically directs the apostles to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," highlighting that the "lost" aspect is emphasized. This points to their spiritual wandering and need for a shepherd…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026