The answer is: House of Israel

Matt 10:6 - They were to go to the Jews first, and saw them like sheep wandering, lost without a shepherd. They were the chosen people of God and it was right that they should be offered the gospel first.

The mission of the 12 disciples is a fascinating chapter in the story of Jesus’ ministry. When Jesus instructed them to focus on the house of Israel, it was not just about geographical boundaries, but also about a rich tapestry of religious and cultural identity. The Israelites had an ancient covenant with God, a bond that shaped their collective understanding of God’s promises.

Think of the phrase “lost sheep.” It resonates deeply, doesn’t it? Shepherds and sheep were common images in ancient Israel, symbolizing care and guidance. Many Jewish people were struggling to find their way spiritually, caught up in legalisms or distractions. As Jesus saw it, this was a prime moment for teaching, healing, and inspiring new faith.

Interestingly, this early mission doesn’t mark an exclusion of others; rather, it sets the stage. Sending the disciples first to their own nation highlights the interconnectedness of all people. In the stretch of the Gospel narrative, we later find that the message expands beyond Palestine—in time, everyone is included, from Samaritans to Gentiles.

Moreover, the disciples’ sending parallels Old Testament prophets, reinforcing a tradition of being called by God to bring awareness, healing, and hope to those in dire need. The seeds planted among the “lost sheep” eventually blossom into something grand, showing how initial outreach lays the groundwork for a movement that embraces the whole world!