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Instructions for New Disciples
From Matthew 10:24-39: "A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! "So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him 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 apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. "Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's foes will be members of one's own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
Sixteen verses containing what could be sixteen sermons. And that's the way the Bible is in some sections; small verses, powerful messages. But these verses are found in a section where Jesus has called and gathered His new disciples and is instructing them on the life ahead. The Oxford Annotated Bible calls this their "commissioning." To receive a commission is to become a part of the shared mission, and in this case to reach the world. But Jesus shares several things that bless us today.
1) Remember that we have our place in this mission, and humility and obedience will serve us well. We seek to become like our teacher who is Jesus the Christ. 2) And it won't be easy following Jesus, for he reminds them His detractors called him Beelzebul (Satan) and they will more than likely be called other names as well. 3) We should not be afraid or have fear. 4) Always share what God has done for us with as many as will hear it. 5) Have a deep love and respect for God (This is what "fear" means in the NT). 6) Our worth to God is assured always. 7) Always acknowledge Jesus for Who He is in our lives. I once received a pocket cross with the instruction: "Remember Whose you are, and who you are." I have since received more to hand out and I always say that to the person with whom I share them. 8) Not all who receive this message will receive a warm welcome in their own homes. 9) Our task will involve our taking up our cross; that burden of sharing truth and love might bring repercussions against us. 10) Hold on to Jesus, never let go! Our task is to be faithful to Jesus and our reward will be great.
That in a nutshell is Whose we are and who we are. It's a wonderful life worth living, as the disciples soon found out. They, according to legend, all paid the price, but it was worth it because the world has yet to hear of God's great love and concern for them. Let us embark on this journey with joy!
PRAYER: Thank You, Loving God, for being with me and helping me to bear the cross. I want to serve You and Yours. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
