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.

When Jesus sent His disciples to the House of Israel, it was akin to launching an exclusive "VIP" invitation for a much-awaited event. Picture this: the Jews were seen as God's chosen people—held in high regard, spilling over with rich traditions and stories of liberation. Think of all that history from the Exodus to the return from Babylonian exile!

In Matthew 10:6, the disciples are sent out with a clear purpose, which shows Jesus' deep commitment to his roots and community. The mention of the Jews as “sheep without a shepherd” paints a poignant picture of concern and compassion. It reflects back to the Old Testament imagery, especially the poetic Psalm 23, where God is depicted as a shepherd guiding and providing for His flock—a powerful reminder that spiritual guidance was not just needed but desperately sought.

In a broader sense, it's also a marvelous opportunity for some trivia! Did you know that this directive was foreshadowing a future shift? While the disciples were initially sent specifically to the Jews, later on, the message would not just tiptoe but leap boldly into the hearts of Gentiles too! That transformation sows the seeds of a foundational shift in how faith interacts across cultural boundaries. So, this initial mission can be seen not as exclusion but as preparation for a universal call that would come to encompass all of humanity’s diverse colors and stories. What a joyful tapestry to consider!