"They [Christians] love one another. They do not overlook the widow, and they save the orphan. He who has ministers ungrudgingly to him who does not have. When they see strangers, they take him under their own roof and rejoice over him as a true brother, for they do not call themselves brothers according to the flesh but according to the soul." - Aristides, early 2nd century
Having demonstrated his authority with power Jesus bestowed authority on his followers. The people were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" and so Jesus called the Twelve to him and gave them authority. It was time to send out workers into the harvest. What is particularly instructive for us is how this authority is to be used and how the work of harvesting is to be done.

Given authority and instructed to, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons", we can imagine how the disciples might let power go to their heads, indeed we don't have to go far in the modern church to see how this can happen. However, while they were given authority, their ministry was to be marked by charity, "Freely you have received, freely give" (Mt.9:8) There is a lifestyle that goes with discipleship.

Disciples are to be dependent on God (Mt.10:8-11)

Disciples allow others the freedom to accept or reject their message (Mt.10:12-14)

Disiples should be prepared to endure persecution (Mt.10:16-25)

Disciples remember the great value God puts on them and obey him rather than men (Mt.110:26-33)

Disciples, even in their own homes and families, will encounter conflict (Mt.10:34-39)

Disciples should remember that their message is the greatest gift they have to offer and that men and women will be judged on how they respond to it (Mt.10:40-42)

Instead of wealth they chose poverty; instead of power they demonstrated service and offered all the freedom to come, or not, as they chose; instead of honour they endured great persecution and hardship. Yet, in doing so, they faithfully followed the example of their master who, "when he saw the crowds, had compassion on them" (Mt.9:36) and "who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb.12:2)

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