Read and Believe in Jesus.

“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:33

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REVIEW – Jesus sent out His 12 chosen disciples as apostles to tell the “good news” that the kingdom of heaven was near, sending them only to Jewish villages and towns at that time. Jesus also gave them the power to heal, cast out demons, and even raise the dead to verify their message.

He cautioned them that not everyone would joyfully receive the gospel. The apostles would be turned away, slandered, arrested, and dragged into court to testify. But the Holy Spirit would tell them what to say in that moment.

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Matthew 10:21-25.

Jesus’ warnings and preparations for ministry expanded not only to these twelve disciples, who went on a few weeks’ trip; they applied also to them after Pentecost, and even to missionaries to new lands today. All will face opposition, some very serious.

Jesus told them that the Gospel message would divide families. Persecution would cause them to flee family and home, and even face execution. They would be hated for Jesus’ name’s sake.

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved. The disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” What they did to Jesus, they would do so to His disciples. But a welcome “well done, faithful servant,” is waiting in Heaven for the one who endures and/or gives his life.

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Matthew 10:26-33.

But Jesus says not to fear them. ‘Do not fear those who kill the body and cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear Him, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Then comes the comforting reminder that a believer’s value is greater than that of the sparrows. God knows when each one falls, and we are of much more value than them. He also knows every hair on our head! He knows when our testimony puts us into boiling water… or into the fire.

Jesus’ promise to believers: “Everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will deny before my Father who is in heaven.“

So, let us settle it in our hearts now: we should never forsake Him who saved us. With God’s help, we will never blaspheme or curse His precious, holy name.

(Yes, Peter did deny Jesus outside the high priest’s house, and Jesus predicted it. But oh, how he suffered remorse and fear for three days before Jesus met with him, forgave him, and then reinstated him before his brothers.)

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Matthew 10:34-39.

This passage is hard to take in. A sword and not peace? Enemies in your own household?

Yes, Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and faith in Him and His sacrificial death DOES bring peace with God. (John 14:27) But He does not guarantee peace within our families.

And more and more this is the case. Converting to Christ can strain family relationships here in the U.S. In other countries, it can mean converts are cast out from the family, considered dead, and can no longer return. Churches are burned, Christians are persecuted, even martyred for Christ’s sake.

Jesus is warning His followers then and now. How firm is our faith? How resolute are we to stand firm in our testimony? Has our heart truly been “converted?”

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Being a Christian is no “walk in the park.” It doesn’t mean simply wearing a shirt or a necklace with a cross on it. It doesn’t mean just going to Church… even if we carry a Bible. It’s heart belief.

Then those very chilling but true words.

“Whoever loves father and mother more than Me, is not worthy of Me.”

“Whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”

“And whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”

“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.“

Hard words to read. Hard words to take in. Do they turn you off? Do they make you say, “He is not worth it.”

Remember a few lessons ago, some wanted to follow Jesus, but turned back when the “following” meant sacrifice – of fortune, or even the assurance of a place to sleep at night.

I pray our hearts will remain steady and sure. Pray that they will!

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Matthew 10:40-42.

After these stern, hard words, Jesus ends this preparation for ministry with some encouraging words.

Sometimes, when you take the Gospel message to a new place, they will receive you with joy and thanksgiving. They will open their hearts, homes, wallets, and refrigerators to you.

You will be a blessing!

And by blessing you, they will welcome Jesus.