And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 10:38-39 NLT
Read Matthew 10
Imagine the honor! This new teacher in town who has rocked the nation with his radical teaching about the Kingdom of God and who performs miracles, signs, and wonders everywhere He goes… Imagine that He zeroed in on YOU and said, “Come, follow me!”
How exciting! I can imagine the second guessing, wondering if this prophet, Jesus, must have made a mistake and meant someone else. If only He knew the real me! Am I anything special that He would choose me to be one of his closest followers?
What is interesting in this selection of the first twelve disciples is that these are just ordinary Joes, tradesmen, tax collectors, fishermen, etc. What did this crew of commonplace men have to offer to the Son of God? I have to ask myself the same question. He didn’t just call the twelve to follow, but He extends that invitation to US!
Additionally, as Jesus gives them the pep talk, or the charge, before going out to make their mark in the name of Christ, it didn’t sound like a very motivating speech. I don’t think many football coaches would win very many games with this kind of pep talk to his team. Just what did it mean to follow Jesus anyway? Did it mean that they were rock stars who would get the perks of following this celebrity all over the countryside? On the contrary! Jesus let them know from the start what a challenging and thankless job this would be.
Somehow, if I were recruiting a team for my ministry, I probably wouldn’t want to begin by telling them that they would be arrested, mistreated, or have to lose their lives to be true followers. But Jesus hits them with it right off the bat!
His first instructions were to keep their ministry within the nation of Israel. Israel was to be the first to hear the Gospel before it would be opened up to the Gentiles. God had a specific plan for how the Gospel would be spread, and it would begin with God’s chosen people. Of course, He knew most would reject it, but that is another story for later.
Jesus explained that they would make many sacrifices. This was not a position for seeking riches or financial prosperity. That’s for sure! They were to take nothing with them, but they would be dependent upon the hospitality of the homes to which they were to visit.
Wolves in sheep’s clothing would be the fashion of the day! Jesus’ followers were warned that when they thought they were ministering to “nice” people, they could actually be attacked by ravenous wolves set out to sabotage their mission. Jesus warned them that they would be arrested and flogged because of Him.
OK, that does not make this mission more appealing. However, Jesus reassured them that this would happen to give them opportunities to tell more people about the Gospel. “…But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me.” (Verse 18).
You see, when we face persecution, God has a purpose for allowing it. Keep that in mind when you feel like you have been mistreated for doing good, because good will surely come out of it. What an opportunity to suffer for the sake of Christ so that many more people will come to know Him. What an honor when you think about it! Jesus taught them not to be afraid of what others may do to your body, because your soul is what is eternal. That is really all that matters!
It is also reassuring to me that Jesus promised that the Spirit would give us the words to say. We don’t have to be stressed out about what to say or do. When we go forth out of obedience, we have a perfect Guide who will be with us and help us!
So, go in faith and with confidence! This life of following Christ is so worth it! I don’t care what kind of cross He has called me to bear, because I bear it with honor. No longer do my life, my ambitions, my worldly desires, my immature dreams, or my old ways stand between me and my Lord. I surrender all to Him, and He gives me a greater life and higher dreams and ambitions than I thought possible. Yes, this life is challenging, but it is worth it! And, we do not travel alone!
But, remember, whatever you do for the glory of God will be rewarded. “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:42
Have a blessed day!
