Scripture: Matthew 10:26-42

In today’s reading, we see the continuation of Jesus’s conquest over the powers of evil. He came to destroy the devil and his works (1 John 3:8). And it’s in that context that Jesus instructs His followers to 1) Fear God, not man, and 2) Don’t be ashamed of Him even when it costs and leads to persecution. Jesus is clear that He did not come to just be nice and make everyone get along. Rather, His coming brings division between those who believe in Him and those who don’t. This, along with the fact that Jesus is fulfilling the Old Testament story of Israel defeating their enemies, explains the difficult language in vv.34-39.

Matthew 10:26-42

26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.

34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn

“‘a man against his father,

a daughter against her mother,

a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—

36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’[b]

37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Reflection Question

Are there areas of your life where you are valuing someone or something more than your allegiance to King Jesus? What is Jesus asking you to do to follow Him with your whole heart and life? What will you do about it?