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Matthew 10:34-39
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 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. 36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: On this Missions Sunday, we will be studying Matthew 10:34-39 to see Jesus' exhortations to the disciples when He sent them out into the towns of Israel. In these verses, Jesus gives us an eye-opening look at what it means to be a disciple and corrects some of His disciples' misconceptions. The expectation that the Messiah would bring peace was widely misunderstood. Jesus clarifies that peace will come only through the division of those who accept the Messiah and those who reject Him. Additionally, Jesus makes clear that His disciples are expected to value Him supremely above everything else. Every human relationship, every comfort, and every hope must be laid at His feet. And yet, Jesus teaches his disciples that losing is actually gain. Like the man who traded everything he owned for the pearl of great price, we joyfully receive the one who is worth far more—our Savior, who willingly laid down His life for us.
Review & Apply
Why does Jesus say He did not come to bring peace? Isn't the Messiah supposed to bring peace on earth?
Is Jesus talking about a literal sword, or something more symbolic?
When Jesus speaks on conflict within families, is He speaking generally or about something specific?
Why does Jesus give this sobering exhortation to the disciples before they go out on mission? How can this passage correct our view of Jesus and our own lives?
How can we reflect not only on our need to sacrifice, but also on Jesus' worthiness?
Is this passage only for ministers and missionaries, or all believers? How do we apply this exhortation even if we aren't in vocational ministry?
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