Focal Passage: Matthew 10:16-20, 26-34
Any of you who have played a sport competitively can understand the idea that the pregame hype speech from the coach is way more fun than the halftime berating we get when we are down by a bunch of points. Most of us would always prefer encouragement to warnings. We like the pep talks over the cautionary tales.
Jesus is not berating His disciples, but He is being real with them. When Jesus sends out His disciples, He doesn’t sugarcoat the road ahead. He tells them it’s going to be tough. He says, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves” (v. 16). That’s anything but a Hallmark card. Jesus is making it clear to them and to us that following Him won’t always feel safe, easy or popular. Our loyalty will be tested.
What can we learn from this challenge from Jesus? First, we learn that hard places are a part of the call. Jesus is honest from the start. Discipleship is not always a one-on-one meeting at a trendy coffee shop with your friend and a journal. Many times, true discipleship is messy and difficult. But difficulty isn’t a sign that something has gone wrong, it’s often proof that something is going right. The enemy hates what we do, what we believe, and what we stand for. He brings real pressure upon us and Jesus is preparing His followers for hard places because He loves them too much to pretend otherwise.
Josh Sinquefield
However, He doesn’t send them alone. The next principle we learn is that help is a part of the promise. In verses 19-20, Jesus offers reassurance that they aren’t doing this by themselves.
God has never once said, “You’re on your own…good luck.” This is incredible news for those of us who often fear, “What if I say the wrong thing?” When we don’t know what to say, He provides what we need. Loyalty grows as our dependence grows.
Because the Spirit is with us the next principle we learn is that boldness is a part of our witness. He challenges His followers to “not be afraid of them.” (v. 26) We all know this is easier said than done. We live in a world that tracks likes and opinions and remembers every awkward moment we’ve ever had. But what Jesus is reminding us of is that His care for us is greater than people’s opinion of us. When we remember that the one who knows every hair on our head also holds every moment of our future we can live with courage and confidence. We matter deeply to God.
Finally, Jesus brings loyalty into the light. These last verses (vv. 32-34) remind us that faith was never meant to stay private. We’ll proudly wear our favorite team’s logo but sometimes hesitate to be known as a follower of Jesus. Loyalty isn’t proven in comfort. It’s proven when it costs something. Confession strengthens faith while silence slowly suppresses it. So, we must ask ourselves: Where is following Jesus currently stretching my comfort zone?
Jesus never hides the cost of discipleship, but He also never withholds His care. He walks with us into hard places, speaks through us in uncertain moments, strengthens us when fear rises, and stands with us when loyalty is tested. His love never fails! B&R
