The answer is: Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel

Matthew 10 vs 6

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shows a deep prioritization for who should receive his message first. When he tells his disciples to go "rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel," it reveals some fascinating layers in his mission. It wasn't that he was excluding anyone; instead, he was highlighting the importance of focusing first on his own people—the Israelites, as they had a history steeped in covenant promises and shared beliefs.

This strategy pays tribute to God’s earlier covenant with Abraham and the prophetic destiny planned for the Jewish community. Now, here comes a notable trivia nugget: the term "lost sheep" is reflective of an Old Testament notion, found in passages like Ezekiel 34, where God is depicted as a shepherd who seeks to reclaim his scattered flock. This connection shows a continuity of God's heart and mission.

Jesus’ directive for his disciples isn’t just about who gets to hear the news first, but about spreading a message of hope. In doing so, he's inviting an inclusive model: he’s scandalously open to all yet begins with those closest to him. It can buzz around your mind how this largely sets the stage for the broader audience that would thrive in the after-effects of Jesus’ journey. The task accomplished through the twelve would ripple beyond Israel, spreading the good news to every corner, so ultimately, that same playful love invited gentiles as well! Isn't that the cornerstone of the expansive horizon we all admire?