such ministry on the part of the disciples in the remainder of the narrative.37 On the contrary, they appear disinclined to “feed” the sheep of Israel (Mt 14:15; 15:33) and are (in spite of Jesus’ protestations) incapable of healing (Mt 17:14–21). These considerations suggest that Matthew means “he sent them out by charging them”; thus, at this point the sending out is the charge, that is, the instructions he is about to give. Jesus will commission his disciples to go out only at the end of the Gospel