Something worth dying for

As Jesus prepares to send the Twelve out to spread the message of the Kingdom, he gives them some amazing instructions and some warnings that may seem daunting…

“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:7-8)

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.” (Matthew 10:16-17)

“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:21-22)

But in the midst of all of these warnings and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles before them, Jesus speaks these words to those same disciples…

“So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:26-31)

Jesus reminds them, and us, that we do have a significant task before us. It may require sacrifice for now, but there is nothing to fear. God will be with us regardless of what we face. We may not have to physically die today, but we have to be willing to die in some other way as we seek to share the Kingdom of God. Near the end of this same chapter, Matthew records the following words of Jesus…

“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:38-42)

Are you willing to take up your cross? To lose your life? Jesus said that the reward for those who are willing will be something worth dying for.

 

shine!
Jason