Day 13: Matthew 10:24-42
Today's evening devotion is Matthew 10:24-42, which concludes Jesus's instructions to his twelve disciples as he sent them out.
Jesus reminds his disciples that death is not the end, using that as encouragement for the disciples to persevere in the face of prosecution.
Christianity makes it very easy to face death, I think, as long as one maintains faith and strives for righteousness.
I think Citylife's sermon titled, "A Public Faith" this past Sunday expands on Jesus's instructions to the disciples.
More importantly, Jesus the teacher must be acknowledged during such proclamations.
In short, Christianity should not held as a private possession but instead should be freely and publicly shared.
Jesus is very frank about the practical turmoil that may come from following him.
When I'd first read this passage I thought it odd that Jesus would be forecasting domestic disputes and unrest within people's homes. But I understand now that in some situations, a person choosing to become a Christian may put him- or herself directly at odds with family members. For example, what would happen if a Jewish husband converted to Christianity? Or if a Muslim daughter converted to Christianity?
Reminder that death is not the end
Jesus reminds his disciples that death is not the end, using that as encouragement for the disciples to persevere in the face of prosecution.
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28 ESV)
Christianity makes it very easy to face death, I think, as long as one maintains faith and strives for righteousness.
Faith is public
I think Citylife's sermon titled, "A Public Faith" this past Sunday expands on Jesus's instructions to the disciples.
What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. (Matthew 10:27 ESV)
More importantly, Jesus the teacher must be acknowledged during such proclamations.
So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33 ESV)
In short, Christianity should not held as a private possession but instead should be freely and publicly shared.
A potentially tough choice: Jesus or family
Jesus is very frank about the practical turmoil that may come from following him.
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. (Matthew 10:34-36 ESV)
When I'd first read this passage I thought it odd that Jesus would be forecasting domestic disputes and unrest within people's homes. But I understand now that in some situations, a person choosing to become a Christian may put him- or herself directly at odds with family members. For example, what would happen if a Jewish husband converted to Christianity? Or if a Muslim daughter converted to Christianity?