Jesus continues His commissioning of the apostles to go boldly on mission for Him.
Matthew 10:26-11:1
SERMON OUTLINE
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)
Sent with the Right Kind of Fear (10:26-31)
- Do not fear physical suffering
- Do have appropriate fear of God
- Living with real reverence and trust
Sent with the Right Kind of Priorities (10:32-39)
- Acknowledging Jesus publicly in our lives
- Loving Jesus more than anyone else
- The reality of suffering in the disciple-life
- Living to find real life
Sent for the Right Kind of Reward (10:40-42)
- The reward of welcoming Jesus
- The reward of welcoming Jesus’ people
- Living for a real reward
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is your favorite activity on the weekends in summertime?
- This week we continue our series, “The Messiah’s Mission,” by looking at the second part of Jesus’ teaching to the disciples in Matthew 10:26-11:1. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word. Then, whether you’re on your own or with others, read the passage aloud.
- Jesus continues themes He spoke about when commissioning the twelve apostles in 10:1-25. What stands out to you about “fear” in 10:26-31?
- Verse 28 seems to call for appropriate fear of God. This is a theme in Scripture (see some examples in Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 14:27; Leviticus 25:17; Deuteronomy 10:12). What do you think it means to have appropriate fear of God?
- According to Jesus in verses 29-31, how does appropriate fear of God relate to trust in God here?
- With verses 32-33, Jesus calls for public declaration of faith. How have you lived out your faith in public well and where have you struggled with it?
- Referencing Micah 7:6, in verses 34-37 Jesus speaks to the priority of allegiance to and love for Him above anyone else, even family. Why would Jesus use such strong words? What do you think that means?
- What other people or things compete for your personal allegiance to and love for Jesus?
- Read verses 38-39 again. The image of the cross is so familiar to us but represented a shameful and criminal execution in Jesus’ day. Why do you think Jesus uses this image for discipleship with the Twelve?
- The final section of this teaching speaks to hospitality. What is the message of verses 40-42?
- What do you think the “reward” is that Jesus refers to?
- What is one thing this study has brought into focus for you about living for Jesus? How is God speaking to you personally through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down and pray over that this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Consider memorizing Matthew 10:38-39
- Take some time in prayer this week to consider what it means for you to take up your cross in pursuit of Jesus. What competing loves and allegiances do you need to lay down or put in their right place? In what specific ways might you need to step forward into true discipleship with Jesus?
- In order to reflect more deeply on this passage, select one or more of the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 10:26-42 to sketch, ink, or paint. As you do that, prayerfully reflect on Jesus’ calling on your own life.
- Pray for yourself, your friends or family, your small group, and Eastbrook Church, that God would strengthen us as His people to walk with Him and join His mission.