Discipleship: Matthew 10

Matthew 10:27
²⁷What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.

In chapter 10 of Matthew, Jesus is sending his disciples to learn by doing. You can only learn so much in a classroom. Any lesson becomes totally different when it is real life and hands on learning. He is sending them out to tell other Israelites that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.

As He is getting them ready he begins to tell them of the things that will happen to them after He has gone back to his Heavenly Father (He doesn't tell them that specifically). He let's them know that they should not worry about what they say because it will not be them speaking, but the Spirit of God speaking through them (Fast Forward to Acts 2 to see this in action). He also tells them that they will be dragged before public officials because of their message (Fast Forward to Acts 24 to see this one). If you think about it, this was probably pretty overwhelming for the disciples to hear and try to comprehend.

It is interesting all the things that Jesus talks about before He sends all of his disciples out to share their message of hope. They aren't supposed to do it for money, but they shouldn't worry because God will meet their needs. They should be wise as snakes but innocent as doves. They are to proclaim what they have heard from the housetops. They should expect persecution not acceptance.

Talk about challenging. There aren't too many people in my life that I would follow if they gave me marching orders like these in chapter 10. If you think about it though, it isn;t so surprising that the disciples followed Jesus. Andy said in one of his messages recently that no one has ever bet too much on a winning horse. Jesus started this journey by telling some of his disciples, "Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." They followed him, and went on to see him teach with power, perform miracles, and fulfill prophecies. They believed in who He was.

Too many people think that the message of the cross is come, be saved so you can be comfortable. That wasn't the message though. It was that Jesus came that we might have life to the fullest. Living life to the fullest in God's kingdom doesn't equal comfort or safety. Jesus came so that we might be changed and help other people experience the same life-changing power. People who have experienced that change don't seek out safety, they seek out God's adventure wherever it takes them.

That's a lot to think about, but that's ok. Even though He challenges us to do incredibly difficult things, He reassures us with the presence of his Spirit.

Just for Fun:
Who Dey vs. Who Dat

and this one should really brighten your Wednesday...

The Turtle Man