Courage, Cost, and Calling – What Jesus Taught About Following Him (Matthew 10:16-42)
Have you ever started something exciting, only to realize it’s harder than you expected? That’s exactly the kind of talk Jesus gave to His disciples before sending them out to share His message. He didn’t promise an easy journey, but He did promise that they wouldn’t be alone.
Let’s take a look at what Jesus told them—and what it means for us today.
It Won’t Always Be Easy
Jesus began by saying something surprising: “I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves.” In other words, the disciples were going to face tough situations. People might treat them badly, reject them, or even try to harm them. Some might even be turned against them by their own families.
But Jesus didn’t leave them in fear. He told them not to worry about what to say—God’s Spirit would help them speak with courage and wisdom.
What we learn: Following Jesus might bring challenges, but we never face them alone. God helps us even in the hardest moments.
Don’t Be Afraid—God Is with You
Jesus told His disciples not to be afraid of those who might oppose them. People may be able to hurt our bodies, but they can’t touch our souls. Jesus wanted His followers to live boldly and share His truth without fear.
He reminded them that God knows even when a tiny bird falls to the ground—and that we are worth far more than many birds. Every hair on our heads is numbered. That’s how closely God watches over us.
What we learn: God sees every part of our lives and cares deeply for us. We are never forgotten or overlooked.
Following Jesus Might Create Tension
Jesus also said something that can be hard to hear: not everyone will support our decision to follow Him. Sometimes, even our own family members may not understand. Faith can bring division—but Jesus calls us to love Him above all else.
He said that following Him means “taking up our cross,” which means being willing to make sacrifices for what’s right. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about choosing to stay close to Him even when it’s tough.
What we learn: Being a true follower of Jesus may cost us something, but in the end, it leads to real and lasting life.
Every Kind Act Matters
Jesus ended His message with encouragement. He said that anyone who welcomes one of His followers is also welcoming Him. Even giving a simple cup of cold water to someone in need is noticed and valued by God.
What we learn: Small acts of kindness matter. Every loving action is seen by God and brings joy to His heart.
Final Thoughts: Faith That Stays the Course
In this passage, Jesus is honest. He doesn’t promise comfort, but He promises purpose. He calls us to live boldly, love deeply, and stay faithful—even when the road is hard.
So if you’re facing rejection or challenge because of your faith—or if you’re unsure whether the cost is worth it—remember this: Jesus sees you. He walks with you. And every step you take in love and faith matters.
Matthew 10:16-42 (WEB)
10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you. 18 Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations. 19 But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.21 “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man has come.24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! 26 Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops. 28 Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.29 “Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.34 “Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 A man’s foes will be those of his own household. 37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me. 38 He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me isn’t worthy of me. 39 He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.40 “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. 41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.”