Day 12: Matthew 10

Jesus' followers follow Jesus' pattern of suffering and rejection

Jesus now sends out the 12 with allusions back to the 12 tribes of Israel (Judas's title reminds us again of what's coming at the end). He gives them authority and teaches them. It would be strange if the content of what he teaches were for this short mission trip alone, instead Jesus gives them a glimpse of what is to come for their lives as disciples especially from verse 16, persecution, being hated even by family all the while testifying about Jesus. There must be change of time frame as they are even to tell the Gentiles about Jesus now.

They will follow Jesus' pattern of suffering which is clearly explained in 24-25. They are to fear God and not men, because God hold their eternal destiny in his hands, but there's the encouragement that he knows and cares for them. Those who deny Jesus in public, He will deny in public on the last day, here we see that what makes the difference to our eternal destinies is what we do with Jesus. This will not be easy though and will bring division and heartache as the battle lines are drawn down the middle of families, but Jesus must have our first allegiance or none at all. This call to love Jesus more than life may leads us to lay down our lives (either physically or in daily service), but we will gain eternal life. The chapter finishes on an encouraging note that some will accept, and they will join the ranks and gain the reward.