The Sword, The Cross, and Missions

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 disciple​s 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.