Matthew 10

Posted on Jan 13, 2017 in Bible (NT) in a Year |

Friday

Boy the flood waters have risen high around us here in Youngsville.

Made me think of the passage of scripture we just read on Tuesday about the wise and foolish builders. Praise God that our church was built (literally) on high solid ground. Although my heart goes out to those who are suffering from flood damage. We have like an inch or less in our basement, just too much water for the sump pumps to keep up with, but nothing is damaged.

Well, in our reading today, Jesus does not sugar-coat the work the disciples are called to do. Do you ever wonder if they knew what they were getting into on that day Jesus called them? Do you think they would have still followed?

What about Jesus was so appealing to those 12 men that they left their former lives behind to follow Jesus from town to town, village to village?

I think Jesus touched them like He touches us, on a spiritual level. We don’t know what will happen, we just know that we want to belong to Him, to be a part of His Kingdom.

Well, Jesus certainly doesn’t give the disciples much to go on. They must learn to rely on the generosity of others, learn that God will provide for their every need. It must have been quite an adventure and definitely a learning experience for the 12. Jesus needed to toughen them up, He needed them to become the leaders of His Church. But Jesus didn’t leave them without anything, he gave them power and authority.

As you read this chapter, you have to remember too, that the early Christians would have been reading these words too. I think Matthew includes these word to help encourage persecuted Christians, those in the 1st Century and those today. “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Vs 28.

First, Jesus says the truth will come to light and be revealed, so go ahead and proclaim these truths.

Second, Jesus tells them how valuable they are to Him.

Third, Jesus assures them that if they acknowledge him, he will testify for them before his Father in Heaven.

How uplifting it would be for those who were suffering for their belief in Jesus, to know that Jesus will not leave them alone, that He is standing with them, defending them.

In this passage of scripture, we also hear Jesus mention for the first time about the cross. The cross was a symbol of Roman oppression, of death, of humiliation. There were crosses lining the roads as people entered into cities.   The disciples all knew what the cross was. The cross was the price of discipleship.

Are you willing to take up your cross? Are you willing to follow the path of discipleship? It is not easy, but with Christ beside us every step of the way….

The choice is ours.

Blessings

Pastor Kathy