Week 9: The Cost of Following the King (Matthew 10)

Week 9: The Cost of Following the King (Matthew 10)

Introduction:

In Matthew 10, Jesus sends out His twelve disciples with a clear message: following Him comes with both great rewards and significant challenges. He warns them about persecution and the cost of discipleship but assures them that God’s care for them is complete. This passage prepares believers to count the cost of following Jesus.

Cultural/Historical Context:

• Persecution: In the first century, Jesus’ followers faced intense persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities. Jesus warned His disciples that they would be arrested and mistreated, but He also promised that the Holy Spirit would give them the words to speak when facing trials (Matthew 10:16-20).
• Family dynamics: In a culture where family loyalty was paramount, Jesus’ words about turning family members against one another (Matthew 10:34-37) were shocking. Following Jesus might mean facing rejection even from those closest to you.

Key Points:

1. The Mission of the Disciples
   • Subpoint 1: Jesus sends His disciples to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6), instructing them to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (Matthew 10:7).
   • Subpoint 2: They are given power to heal, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons, demonstrating the authority of the Kingdom (Matthew 10:8).
   • Subpoint 3: The disciples are to depend on God’s provision for their mission, taking no extra supplies (Matthew 10:9-10).
2. Persecution and the Cost of Discipleship
   • Subpoint 1: Jesus warns that His disciples will be persecuted, hated, and betrayed, even by family members (Matthew 10:16-22). They are called to endure to the end.
   • Subpoint 2: Jesus says that those who do not take up their cross and follow Him are not worthy of Him (Matthew 10:38). This image of taking up the cross represents total commitment and willingness to sacrifice for the Kingdom.
   • Subpoint 3: Though the cost is high, Jesus assures that God’s care for His disciples is complete, even numbering the hairs on their heads (Matthew 10:30-31).
3. Rewards in the Kingdom
   • Subpoint 1: Jesus promises that those who receive His disciples and their message will receive a reward (Matthew 10:40-42).
   • Subpoint 2: Even small acts of kindness, such as giving a cup of water, will not go unnoticed in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 10:42).
   • Subpoint 3: Ultimately, the rewards for following Jesus are eternal, outweighing the temporary hardships faced in this life.

Life Applications:

1. Enduring challenges in faith: Following Jesus comes with difficulties, but we are called to endure with faith and courage, knowing that He is with us.
2. Prioritizing Jesus over everything: Our relationship with Jesus must come first, even above our closest relationships. We are called to seek His Kingdom above all.
3. Trusting God’s provision: Just as Jesus instructed His disciples to trust God for their needs, we are called to have confidence in His provision and care for us.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to “take up your cross” and follow Jesus? How does this challenge our daily lives?
2. How can we trust in God’s care when facing persecution or difficulties for our faith?
3. What are some practical ways we can support others who are following Jesus, even if it costs us something?