Podcasts about Matthew 10

Austin Wadlow begins Own The Block.

Sunday, 11 May 2025   Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. Matthew 10:4    “Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, the ‘also having betrayed Him'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the list of the twelve named apostles continued with six names. The final two are mentioned next, beginning with, “Simon the Kananaios.”   The name Simon has been explained. The title that is given to him is Kananaios, sometimes translated as a Canaanite. At other times, it is translated as a Zealot or some other word indicating being zealous, like the word Patriot. The word is found only here and in Mark 3:18, again describing the same person. In Luke 6:15 and Acts 1:13, the same person is described with the word zélótés, to be zealous.   The reason for all the variances is that there is a dispute about where the word is derived from. One supposed root is the Hebrew word qanna, which means jealous. It is a word used six times in Exodus and Deuteronomy when referring to the Lord, speaking of His jealous nature. Some apply this root to indicate a zealous nature for the Lord.   That would make sense based on Luke's use of zélótés as a comparable meaning word. However, it is questionable if a title given only to the Lord would later be applied to people. If it were, it would be as an honorific, saying something like, “He has the Lord's jealousy guiding his life.”   However, as noted, others translate the word as Canaanite. This seems to be less preferable because he would have been a Jew, but it could be that he associated himself with the land of Canaan as being the home territory of the Jews and wanted to restore it to Jewish control. However, another word group is used in Greek to indicate Canaan. Thus, this translation is rather unlikely.   Another option is the occasional translation of this word as a Cananaean. That would mean he was from Cana of Galilee. This is not improbable. As it is a transliteration, this rendering doesn't do any harm. It simply gives an Anglicized rendering of the Greek.   Leaving the Greek directly transliterated into English avoids a mistranslation, and so that is what has been done here. Next, it says, “and Judas Iscariot.”   The name Judas is derived from the Hebrew Yehudah, meaning Judah. Judah was the fourth son of Jacob, born to Leah as recorded in Genesis 29:35.  His name means Praise. The name in Greek includes Jude, the author of the book of Jude. It is also translated as Judah in Matthew 1 and Luke 3. Each time, it is in Jesus' genealogy.   The title Iscariot is from the Greek Iskariótés. It is believed to be a transliteration from the Hebrew words ish, man, and qirya, city or town. Thus, he would be a man of the city or a man of Kerioth, a city in Israel noted four times in the Old Testament. If he were from Kerioth, he would be the only non-Galilean apostle because Kerioth was a city found in the territory of Judah. Of him, it next says, “the ‘also having betrayed Him.'”   He is introduced into Scripture with the sad epitaph attached to him. Later, using the word apóleia, meaning destruction, ruin, loss, etc., other than the antichrist, he is the only person called a son of perdition in Scripture –   “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” John 17:12   “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4   It is as if these two notorious men were born to be destroyed. Such is the nature of misusing one's freewill to work against the Lord.   Life application: The names of the apostles are recorded, some with descriptors to give further hints about their nature. From there, some of them will have various things said about them. Peter is recorded as having denied Jesus and been weak in his stand for proper doctrine, as recorded in Galatians 2.   Thomas is forever known as a doubter. He is used as an example of this quality today, such as, “Come on, man! Stop being a Doubting Thomas.” David is known as a man after God's heart. Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet. Nabal the Carmelite is known as a fool.   We will all be remembered before others and before the Lord for how we conducted our lives. What is it that you want to be remembered for? “He was a faithful Christian.” “He was a loving father.” “He was one greedy dude.” Like the designation of these apostles, we are generally summed up with a very short thought when remembered by others. What few words do you expect people will remember you by?   Lord God, we are living our lives out before others and in Your presence. How will we be remembered when we are gone? Help us to consider this and to do our best to live our lives in a manner that will honor You and reflect the positive qualities of faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saturday, 10 May 2025   Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Matthew 10:3   “Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, the taxman. Jacob the ‘of Alphaeus,' and Lebbaios, having been denominated Thaddaeus” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus' apostles began to be listed. The next names in the list begin with “Philip.”   Philip has been with Jesus since the time He was in Judea, as is recorded in John 1. However, he is only first mentioned here in Matthew's gospel. This was a common Greek name, especially because of the founder of the monarchy of the Macedonians, Philip, the father of Alexander the Great.   The name is derived from philos, friendly, and hippos, a horse. As such, it signifies Lover of Horses. Next, it says, “and Bartholomew.”   This is not a given name, but signifies Son of Talmai. The word bar is the Aramaic word for son. Talmai would be the name of his father. It means Plowman. Hence, he is Son of Plowman. Bartholomew is believed to be the same as Nathanael.   If so, he was from Cana in the Galilee, as is recorded in John 21:2. The two were together in John 1:44. As such, it would make sense that they are listed together and probably were sent out together. Nathanael is from the Hebrew Nethanel. It means Given of God or God has Given. Next in the list is “Thomas.”   The name is derived from the Hebrew to'am, twin. As such, his name means Twin. He is also called Didymus, the Greek word for Twin. Next, it says, “and Matthew, the taxman.”   Matthew was introduced in Matthew 9:9. He is the tax collector called by Jesus, who is also known as Levi. In Mark and Luke, Thomas and Matthew are named in reverse order.   The seeming implication is that Matthew and Thomas are twins, with Matthew being the older. However, in his humility, he places his brother Thomas, the twin, first. Whereas the other two place him according to birth order. This is only speculation, but it does fit. Next, it says, “Jacob the ‘of Alphaeus.'”   Jacob is derived from the Hebrew Yaaqob, the meaning of which was explained in Matthew 1:2. His father is identified as Alphaeus. It is believed to be derived from the Hebrew name Heleph found in Joshua 19:33.   That comes from the noun kheleph, an exchange. In other words, “Your compensation for this will be this.” That comes from khalaph, a verb signifying to pass on or pass through. The sense is still of a change, though. Thus, the name means Change or Exchange. Next, it says, “and Lebbaios.”   This name is only found in some Greek texts. Others skip it and go straight to his other name. This name is believed to be derived from the Hebrew word lev, the heart. The extended word derived from that is levav. This gives the sense of courage (and in being heartened).   Therefore, the name probably means Heart, Courageous, Sentimental, or Lionlike. In other words, something to do with the condition of the heart. Of him, it says, “having been denominated Thaddaeus.”   In other words, this is a name bestowed upon someone. The name is believed to be derived from the Aramaic word tadday, the breast. As such, it may be a somewhat euphemistic way of calling him something like Breast Boy, meaning “mommy's boy.” It may speak of his immaturity or of his inability to break away from her control.   Life application: In these names, like in all things in the Bible, we are being given information about other things. Some of these names will make connections back to Old Testament passages so that when they are studied, typology will be revealed.   It is not wise to jump to sudden conclusions, making dubious connections until a thorough study of the words and names is made. This is especially true when using English translations. Quite often, people will read a passage that may have the same English word in the Old Testament that is found in a passage in the New Testament.   From there, a conclusion is made that there is a pattern or parallel. However, when the root words are studied, it is discovered that there is no etymological connection. In other words, a pretext was formed by wrongly associating two passages which had nothing to do with one another.   This is quite common, and it has led to piles and piles of incorrect deductions. However, once such incorrect connections are made, they quickly get passed on and become standard teachings, even though they are wrong. As such, it is always best to take patterns and parallels based on English words with a grain of salt until one is sure that the connection is valid. Therefore, be circumspect in what you accept.   Lord God, thank You for the challenge Your word presents us. We are given this treasure and should, therefore, handle it carefully. Help us to remember to do so at all times. May we never teach something that is not first checked out and substantiated to be correct. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Friday, 9 May 2025   Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Matthew 10:2   “And the twelve apostles, the names, they are these: First, Simon, being called Peter, and Andrew, his brother. James the ‘of Zebedee,' and John, his brother” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them power over spirits and sicknesses. Matthew continues his narrative with, “And the twelve apostles.”   The word apostolos, apostles, is introduced. It signifies a delegate or one who is sent. In this case, being apostles of Jesus, they are essentially ambassadors of Jesus for the mission of conveying the gospel. Understanding that, it next says, “the names, they are these.”   Matthew will give a list of the selected men. They are not the same names recorded in each gospel, but they are the same people, being described by the differing names each possessed, such as Simon being Peter. The names are recorded in Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:13-16, and Acts 1:13.   In all lists, Simon (Peter) is recorded first, while Judas the betrayer is listed last. Each time they are listed, they are divided into three separate groups of four each. However, the internal grouping of each group is not always the same.   For an extensive analysis of the patterns of groupings, names, and relationships of these apostles, consulting the commentary of Charles Ellicott will provide great detail. Of these men, the list begins with, “First, Simon, being called Peter.”   The name is derived from the Hebrew name Shimon, which, in turn, is derived from the verb shama, to hear. Thus, the name means Hearing or He Who Hears. Peter is derived from the Greek petra, a rock, and this is the meaning of the name. He is also called Kephas, the Aramaic name meaning Rock. Next, it says, “and Andrew, his brother.”   The name is derived from anér, a male human, a man, a husband. The meaning is Manly, but that can also be equated to Courageous or Brave. Next is “James the ‘of Zebedee.'”   Both names are given detailed explanations in the commentary on Matthew 4:21. The last name in this verse is given next, saying, “and John, his brother.”   The meaning of this name was also explained in Matthew 4:21.   Life application: It is not uncommon to see people on social media call themselves Apostle This or Apostle That. The implication is that they are to be likened to the apostles in the Bible.   There is a problem with this. The title, as noted above, signifies a delegate. One does not designate oneself a delegate or an ambassador. Rather, that appointment comes from the one they represent. In the case of an apostle of Jesus, it means a person must be appointed by Jesus.   There are certain qualifications for the position that are explained in the Bible, none of which apply today. Like the sons of Israel, there is a set number of apostles. In the case of the sons of Israel, there are the twelve born to Jacob through his wives Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah.   There are also the two sons of Joseph who were adopted by Jacob as his own, as is recorded in Genesis 48. This makes a total of fourteen sons. Likewise, there are the twelve apostles named by Jesus in the gospels. There is then Matthias, who was selected to replace Judas in Acts 1.   This is then followed by Paul, who was personally selected by Jesus, “as by one born out of due time” according to 1 Corinthians 15. Thus, there are fourteen named apostles. Like the sons of Israel, that is all there are. Therefore, to claim to be an apostle of Jesus is biblically incorrect and unacceptable.   Denominations, such as Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, Swedish Lutheran, Anglicans, etc., who claim apostolic succession do so without biblical support. There is no such thing.   Be careful to evaluate people in the ministry based on their adherence to Scripture, not on a title, degree, or capability (such as knowing Hebrew or Greek). Instead, what matters is how they handle Scripture.   The Bible designates the number of sons of Israel. It also designates the number of apostles of Jesus. In this process, God is providing us with information. Patterns are made for us to understand what is on God's mind and what He is doing in the stream of redemptive history. Pay attention to such things, and a greater understanding of the workings of God will be realized.   Lord God, how grateful we are to You for Your wonderful and amazing word. We stand in awe at the wisdom behind it. For thousands of years, man has been studying it. And yet, it continues to provide us with new information from day to day. Praise You for Your word! Amen.  

EPISODE 1150 It's Friday, May 9 and Malachi VanderZwaag and Paula Vasquez discuss Matthew 10:26-42. For the full VP Bible Reading Plan, head to https://www.victorypoint.org/resources. For more on the context of today's passage check out the resources at https://bibleproject.com/explore/book-overviews. To find out more about VictoryPoint Church go to victorypoint.org.

EPISODE 1149 It's Thursday, May 8 and Malachi VanderZwaag and Paula Vasquez discuss Matthew 10:1-25. For the full VP Bible Reading Plan, head to https://www.victorypoint.org/resources. For more on the context of today's passage check out the resources at https://bibleproject.com/explore/book-overviews. To find out more about VictoryPoint Church go to victorypoint.org.

Thursday, 8 May 2025   And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Matthew 10:1   “And having summoned His twelve disciples, He gave them authority – unclean spirits, so to eject them, and to cure every disease and every malady” (CG).   In the previous verse, Chapter 9 finished with Jesus telling the disciples to beg the Lord of the reaping to eject toilers into the reaping. Chapter 10 now begins with the words, “And having summoned His twelve disciples.”   This thought contains a new word, proskaleó. It signifies to call toward oneself, and thus to summon. Matthew completely omits the appointment of the twelve apostles in his gospel narrative. They were already appointed by this time, according to Mark 3:14 and Luke 6:13. In fact, instead of calling them apostles here, he calls them twelve disciples.   It won't be until the next verse that he will call them the twelve apostles. Despite that, Matthew designating them as the twelve indicates that they had already been selected out of all of the disciples as the twelve preeminent ones.   This calling is in response to the final verses of Chapter 9. People were coming with every sickness and disease. Jesus looked at the multitudes and had compassion. These masses before Him would be but a small portion of the people who needed such help spread throughout Israel.   Jesus, therefore, is beginning the expansion of the ministry by calling these twelve. As such, the narrative continues with, “He gave them authority.”   The word signifies authority, such as having jurisdiction to accomplish duties or appointed tasks. Thus, it is power, not in the sense of physical might, but power to wield influence, weight, etc. The Greek word is derived from a verb indicating to do what is lawful or permitted. This authority that Jesus is giving them is for “unclean spirits, so to eject them.”   To this point, only Jesus is recorded as having ejected demons. That right and authority will now be given to them. This will increase the ministry in a great measure. These men had learned how to conduct themselves by spending time with their Master. They are sufficiently prepared to meet the tasks before them because of this.   However, there is a specific incident recorded later where they will not be able to eject a demon. Jesus will rebuke them for this and set them straight on the matter. That is coming in Matthew 17:14-21. Despite this, they will have the appropriate authority to do what is necessary in this regard, “and to cure every disease and every malady.”   Not only did they have the full authority to eject demons, but they were also given the authority to tend to people's physical ailments as well. Again, to this point, only Jesus has accomplished these things. The ministry will now greatly expand because of this delegation.   Life application: In the analysis of this verse by the Pulpit Commentary, they make at least two blunders in their review. One thing they say is that the twelve were “To be heads of the tribes of the new Israel.” The statement has no meaning. There is one Israel, not an old and new.   Israel is a people group descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was renamed Israel and became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus explains the matter later, saying, “So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28).   He is speaking there of these same twelve tribes, meaning the real descendants of Israel. Again, this is confirmed by the apostles' final question to Jesus before He ascended, along with His response –   “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' 7 And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.'” Acts 1:6, 7   It was perfectly understood by these men that the kingdom promised to Israel was coming. They wanted to know the details. Jesus instead told them to get about the business of establishing the church, a completely different entity. Paul's words in Romans 9-11 clearly refer to this as well.   A second stunningly ridiculous statement made by them says, “Observe that nothing is said of their receiving authority to convert. This God himself keeps.” This is standard Calvinist thinking that blinds people to the plain sense of words elsewhere in the Bible. In fact, this statement is refuted in this same Chapter –   “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” Matthew 10:11-15   This was the point of sending these men out, meaning to obtain converts. The miracles of ejecting demons and healing people were to be a sign to them to believe and accept that Jesus was their promised Messiah.   The point being made is that just because you are reading a commentary, you should take the time to think through what is said. Be ready to dismiss things that do not line up with Scripture. However, you cannot do this unless you know Scripture. Be sure to read your Bible!   O God, help us to be responsible with our time, reading Your word, contemplating it, studying it carefully, and applying it to our daily lives. Without it, we are at the mercy of men who may or may not be explaining it properly. May this never be the case. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

What do your time commitments reveal about your true priorities? Jesse Cope challenges listeners to examine their lives and consider whether screens, sports, and entertainment have displaced God, family, and meaningful relationships. This soul-searching question frames a powerful exploration of America's religious foundations and their relevance today.Delving into Matthew's gospel, Jesse examines Jesus' instructions to his disciples—warnings of persecution balanced with promises of divine protection. These teachings provide a foundation for understanding the Christian principles that shaped American liberty from the beginning.A compelling reading from Fox's Book of Martyrs offers historical perspective on the dangers of unchecked power in any system, whether religious or political. Jesse draws parallels between historical religious persecution and modern ideological movements that crush opposition when given the opportunity. This warning resonates powerfully in our polarized political climate.The podcast highlights two remarkable Medal of Honor recipients whose courage and sacrifice raise an uncomfortable question: Are we, as modern Americans, worthy of their efforts? Have we preserved the values they defended, or have we surrendered them for comfort and entertainment?Jesse shares Judge Nathaniel Freeman's 1802 declaration that America is "not a republican, like Rome was a pagan, but a Christian republic," asserting that the Bible must be respected as "of high authority in all our courts." This historical perspective challenges modern secular interpretations of American founding principles.Through readings from Mercy Otis Warren's history of the American Revolution, Jesse reminds us how religious persecution drove the Pilgrims to America's shores. Their quest wasn't for wealth but for freedom to worship according to conscience.Join Jesse in this thought-provoking journey through America's Christian heritage and consider how reconnecting with these foundations might be essential for preserving liberty in our time. Subscribe now to continue this important conversation about faith, culture, and the American soul.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Matthew 10

Welcome to Linworth Road Church! We are glad you've found us online and pray that this message is meaningful to you.Linworth exists to help the spiritually lost and wounded join a community of people becoming fully alive, fully mature, and fully on-mission through the healing power of Jesus Christ and His Word.NEXT STEPS:OTHER SERMONS///WebsiteFacebookInstagramJoin us in person at 10 am on Sundays5400 Linworth RoadColumbus, OH 43235

No One May Notice Or Say Thank You But God Will Matthew 10:42 42And 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.”

Welcome to Linworth Road Church! We are glad you've found us online and pray that this message is meaningful to you.Linworth exists to help the spiritually lost and wounded join a community of people becoming fully alive, fully mature, and fully on-mission through the healing power of Jesus Christ and His Word.NEXT STEPS:OTHER SERMONS///WebsiteFacebookInstagramJoin us in person at 10 am on Sundays5400 Linworth RoadColumbus, OH 43235

Join us every Sunday at 10am at River of Life church in Guilderland, NY Find us online at facebook.com/riveralbany or riveralbany.com. Podcasts of the Sunday message can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, YT music, or Soundcloud.

Whenever Jesus sent his disciples out as his witnesses, he informed them that persecution would come their way. This is true for all of us as well. Jesus prepares us through his Spirit, like he prepared his disciples years ago. Be ready to stand for Christ amid the wolves of this world.

Brian Eggert, Senior PastorSunday a.m.Matthew 10 Pastor Brian Eggert 2025.mp3File Size:50276 kbFile Type:mp3Download File [...]

Bro. Geer preaches the word of God in our PM service.

we are discussing Matthew chapter 10 and breakdown the Scriptures on what Jesus taught.

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Receive God's Word And Never Reject It Matthew 10:11-14 11Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. 12As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.

Search For the Heavenly Kingdom And Not An Earthly Kingdom The Israelites Were Looking Matthew 10:7 7As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.'

God's Love Was For The World, His Message Started With Israel Matthew 10:5-6 5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.

Pastor Dom teaches from Matthew 10.

In this episode Pastor Tyler Medina takes you on a journey through Matthew 10, and elaborates on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. 

Genesis 18-19; 19 Psalms 19-21; 40 Matthew 10

• Self-preservation: How can we break free from fear and live with reckless abandon for the Kingdom?

This week, we wrap up our sermon series on Matthew 10, Called and Sent.

• Self-reliance: What does it mean to truly trust in God's power and provision?

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). As we're sent into the world with wonderful good news that many will violently reject we must strike the balance Jesus instructed.

The following audio was recorded at Stone Oak Bible Church. For more information about our church or for more resources, visit us at StoneOakBible.com.

This week, we look at Jesus' instructions to his disciples not to fear. 

The following audio was recorded at Stone Oak Bible Church. For more information about our church or for more resources, visit us at StoneOakBible.com.

This week, we look at persecution and how followers of Jesus are to live and respond in light of that reality.

Ash Wednesday Worship Guide 3.5.25

Today's reading is Matthew 10-12. . . . . This month, we will be reading from the Christian Standard Bible. . . . . Your ratings and reviews help us spread the Gospel to new friends! If you love this podcast, ⁠⁠rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts and leave us a brief review⁠⁠! You can do the same on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠ as well.

Matthew 10:26-36

Matthew 10:17-25

This week we look at Matthew 10:5-15, where Jesus sends out the disciples. 

Matthew 10:9-16

Lord, Open My Lips is a daily devotional produced by Fr. Josh Fink and John Caddell in association with All Souls Church in Lexington, South Carolina. New devotionals are available every day. More information can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠allsoulslex.org/dailyprayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Original music is composed and recorded by John Caddell. Our liturgy is based on "Family Prayer" from the Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

This week we are kicking off a new sermon series entitled "Called and Sent," walking through Matthew 10. Additionally, Ben and Katie share the Word of the Lord for the Antioch Movement for 2025, Prepare(d) for Harvest. How can we prepare individually and corporately? 

By William Bradford - This is the fourth part of a mid-week Bible study series covering Christ's second discourse in the book of Matthew. This message continues in chapter 10 of Matthew, covering the topic of not being fearful.

By William Bradford - This is the third part of a mid-week Bible study series covering Christ's second discourse in the book of Matthew. This message continues in chapter 10 of Matthew, covering the topic of persecution and being wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comMatthew 10Jesus summons the twelve apostles and gives them the power to work miracles. He sends them out to the Jewish people to preach the coming kingdom of Christ. This becomes an early lesson to the disciples that some will openly embrace the gospel, but many will not. He notes that they are like sheep sent out amidst the wolves. But even under persecution, they are told “Do not worry” for the Holy Spirit of God is with them. If Jesus was rejected by some, so too will they be rejected. Do not fear what man can do to you. Only fear God who sees and knows all. The Gospel will unite some in joy, but it will also be a sword of division for others, even in one's own household.  The most uttered instruction in Scripture is this: “Do not be afraid.” Twice it is spoken of in today's read. The call to discipleship is not one of ease. If it was, Christians would not be tempted to fear. The disciples were given the most wonderful tools: the approval of Jesus, power from heaven, and the Holy Spirit. They were then challenged to use those tools to herald the coming kingdom in this world. That mission would draw negativity and persecution. And so it will be for you and me. Being on a mission means sharing the Light of Christ in this dark world. This can lead to trouble. Even so, we must boldly take up our cross and follow Jesus.   All-knowing God and Father, give us the faith and wisdom today to know You are with us. Help us to live courageously in faith, accepting that not all will embrace the light of Christ. But Father, may we never fear rejection or persecution, knowing these are moments where we demonstrate that Your Son rules our lives. I pray that You are the only One we fear. Please present opportunities for us to reach seeking hearts and use us to show them that there is no joy in life as complete as taking up our cross and following Jesus.  Thought Questions:  -       Is the Gospel so great, and your fear and love of God so absolute, that you will stand for what is right no matter how others react? -       With Christ ruling and the Spirit within us, what does it look like to be fearless in telling others about the Gospel and God's Power? -       How can you start with your family? If taking up your cross and following Jesus is for every day and everywhere, how does that look in your home?