Scripture:
Matthew 10:24-33 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
24 A disciple [a] is not above his teacher, or a slave above his master. (A) 25 It is enough for a disciple to become like his teacher and a slave like his master. If they called the head of the house ' Beelzebul,' how much more the members of his household! (B)
Fear God
26 "Therefore, (C) don't be afraid of them, since there is nothing covered that won't be uncovered, and nothing hidden that won't be made known. (D) 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light. What you hear in a whisper, [b] proclaim on the housetops. (E) 28 Don't fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; (F) rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (G) 29 Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? [c] Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's (H) consent. [d] 30 But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. (I) 31 Don't be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows. (J)
Acknowledging Christ
32 "Therefore, everyone who will acknowledge Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. (K) 33 But whoever denies Me before men, (L) I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.
Footnotes:
Matthew 10:24 Or student
Matthew 10:27 Lit in the ear
Matthew 10:29 Gk assarion, a small copper coin
Matthew 10:29 Lit ground apart from your Father
Cross references:
Matthew 10:24 : Lk 6:40; Jn 13:16; 15:20;
Matthew 10:25 : 2Kg 1:2; Mt 12:24;, 27; Mk 3:22; Lk 11:15;, 18-19;
Matthew 10:26 : Lk 12:2-9;
Matthew 10:26 : Mk 4:22; Lk 8:17; 12:2;
Matthew 10:27 : Mt 24:17; Lk 5:19; 12:3; Ac 5:20;
Matthew 10:28 : Is 8:12-13; 51:12-13; Jr 1:8; 1Pt 3:14;
Matthew 10:28 : Mt 5:22; Lk 12:5; Heb 10:31; Jms 4:12;
Matthew 10:29 : Mt 5:16; 11:27; Lk 11:13; Jn 8:42;
Matthew 10:30 : 1Sm 14:45; 2Sm 14:11; Lk 21:18; Ac 27:34;
Matthew 10:31 : Mt 6:26; 12:12;
Matthew 10:32 : Lk 12:8; Rm 10:9-10; Rv 3:5;
Matthew 10:33 : Mk 8:38; Lk 9:26; 2Tm 2:12; 2Pt 2:1;
Reflection:
What does fear have to do with the kingdom of God? Fear is a powerful force. It can lead us to panic and flight or it can spur us to faith and action. The fear of God is the antidote to the fear of losing one's life. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.O fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no want! Come, O sons, listen to me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. (Psalm 34:4,9,11) What is godly fear? It is reverence for the One who made us in love and who sustains us in mercy and kindness. The greatest injury or loss which we can experience is not physical but spiritual -- the loss of one's soul to the power of hell. A healthy fear of God leads to spiritual maturity, wisdom and right judgment and it frees us from the tyranny of sinful pride, cowardice -- especially in the face of evil, and spiritual deception. Do you trust in God's grace and mercy and submit to his word?
When Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God he met opposition and hostility. He tells his disciples that they must expect the same treatment if they are to live and to proclaim the reign of God. There is both a warning and a privilege in his statement. Just as Jesus had to carry his cross, so the disciples must carry their cross and not try to evade it. To suffer for the faith is to share in the work of Christ. As one hymn states: Lift high the Cross of Christ! Tread where his feet have trod. The Holy Spirit gives us power and grace to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Do you trust in God’s grace to carry your cross for Jesus’ sake?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, it is my joy and privilege to your disciple. Give me strength and courage to bear any hardship and suffering which may come my way in your service. May I witness to others the joy of the gospel.
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