*Matthew 10:16-42
Jesus commissions the twelve disciples, warning them of persecution but assuring them of God’s providence and the reward for following him.
- Instructions for Missionary Work:
- Jesus warns the disciples about the challenges they will face, likening them to sheep among wolves.
- They are advised to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, navigating the complexities of their mission with both shrewdness and purity.
- Persecution is anticipated, with the disciples facing trials before governors and kings.
- However, they are encouraged not to worry about what to say when brought before authorities, as the Holy Spirit will speak through them.
- Despite the hardships, they are urged to persevere, with the promise that those who endure to the end will be saved.
- Instructions on Discipleship:
- Jesus emphasizes the need for disciples to align themselves with him, the teacher, and to expect the same treatment he receives.
- The disciples are told not to fear those who can harm the body but to fear God who has authority over both body and soul.
- Jesus acknowledges that his message will cause division, even among families, with some members turning against each other because of their allegiance to him.
- Those who prioritize their love for family over their love for Jesus are deemed unworthy of him.
- Discipleship requires taking up one’s cross and following Jesus, even if it means sacrificing one’s own life.
- Those who receive disciples will be rewarded, with even a cup of cold water given in Jesus’ name not going unrewarded.
Matthew 10:16-42 teaches us that following Jesus isn’t always easy, but we don’t have to be afraid because God is with us. Jesus warns that we may face difficulties, rejection, or even opposition for our faith, but He reminds us that God cares for us deeply—just as He cares for every sparrow. This passage encourages us to stay faithful, trust God’s plan, and boldly live out our faith, knowing that Jesus values our commitment and will reward those who stand firm in Him.
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.”