August 9, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Matthew Chapter 10
1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.
13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction:
Matthew chapter 10 describes the calling and sending of the twelve disciples by Jesus, providing them with clear instructions for their mission. This chapter not only highlights the importance of proclaiming the Gospel but also the challenges and sacrifices associated with following Christ. Jesus prepares his disciples for the difficulties they will face and emphasizes the necessity of faith, courage, and dedication.
Commentary:
Matthew chapter 10 is a pivotal chapter that delves deeply into the essence of Christian discipleship. Jesus gathers his twelve disciples and empowers them to heal the sick, cast out unclean spirits, and raise the dead. This shows that the disciples are sent not only as messengers of the Gospel but also as bearers of God’s healing and saving power. Jesus’ instructions to his disciples are clear and precise: they are to rely on God’s provision and not on material security. This places faith and trust in God’s care at the heart of their ministry.
A central aspect of this chapter is Jesus’ warning about persecution and opposition. He compares the disciples to sheep sent among wolves, making it clear that following Christ is not without danger. However, this challenge is tempered by the assurance of divine care and protection. Jesus emphasizes that the disciples should not fear those who can only kill the body but rather fear God, who has power over both soul and body.
Particularly striking is Jesus’ statement that he did not come to bring peace but a sword. This statement underscores the fact that the Gospel often brings division and opposition, even within families. The decision to follow Jesus requires a radical commitment that puts all other relationships and obligations in the background. Jesus calls his disciples to take up their crosses and follow him, even if it means losing their lives. This call to self-denial is a central component of Christian teaching and shows that true discipleship requires sacrifice.
Summary:
Matthew chapter 10 is a powerful chapter that highlights the challenges and demands of following Jesus. It emphasizes the need for courage, dedication, and trust in God’s guidance. Jesus prepares his disciples for the difficulties associated with proclaiming the Gospel and encourages them to remain steadfast in their faith. This chapter reminds us that following Christ is not without sacrifice, but that these sacrifices are rewarded by the promise of eternal life. The message of Matthew 10 is an invitation to boldly profess our faith and faithfully follow Jesus in all circumstances.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 52: The Divine Shepherd
This chapter is based on John 10:1-30.
Read online here
Commentary
In John 10:1-30, Jesus Christ reveals Himself as the “Good Shepherd,” a metaphor deeply rooted in the culture and hearts of the people of His time. This familiar image of a shepherd lovingly and protectively watching over his flock serves as a powerful parable for the close, personal relationship that Jesus maintains with His believers. He is not just a shepherd, but the Shepherd who is willing to lay down His life for His sheep—an expression of the highest form of love and devotion.
The promise that the Good Shepherd knows His sheep by name highlights the deep personal bond that Jesus has with each individual believer. He knows our worries, our fears, and our struggles. In a world full of uncertainties, the Good Shepherd offers security, guidance, and comfort. Jesus contrasts Himself sharply with the false shepherds of His time, who led the people astray and neglected their responsibility to the flock.
Through the image of the shepherd who goes ahead and leads his sheep to safe pastures, Jesus illustrates that the way to God cannot be reached through human wisdom or religious systems, but only through Him. He is the door to life, and only through Him can we find true fulfillment and peace. This image of the Shepherd who fights for and protects His sheep conveys the deep comfort and security found in following Jesus.
The Good Shepherd not only lays down His life for the sheep but also takes it up again to grant them eternal life. This willingness to sacrifice Himself shows the deep love of Jesus, a love that knows no bounds. It is a love that follows us into our darkest moments, rescues us from lostness, and leads us into fellowship with God.
Jesus’ call to follow His voice is an invitation to a life of abundance—a life characterized by His guidance and care. In Him, we find not only protection and provision but also the assurance that He will never abandon us. This Shepherd, who leads us through life, will ultimately bring us to our eternal home, where we will find complete security and joy in His presence.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 53: The Last Journey From Galilee
This chapter is based on Luke 9:51-56; Luke 10:1-24.
Read online here
Commentary
In Chapter 53 the final journey of Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem is depicted, a journey marked by both internal and external challenges. With the foreknowledge of His impending suffering and death, Jesus altered His approach, deliberately turning toward the cross. Whereas He had previously avoided the attention of the masses, He now openly presented Himself, preparing the people for the impending climax of His earthly mission.
On this last journey through Galilee, Jesus taught intensively, using many parables to convey His message and prepare His disciples for the coming events. Despite the growing hostility from the religious leaders, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission, resolutely setting His face toward Jerusalem, fully aware that His sacrifice was necessary to save humanity.
The people’s reactions to Jesus’ final journey were mixed. While some readily accepted His teachings, others met Him with rejection and hostility. The Samaritans, who did not receive His message, and the cities that ignored His works and teachings, became cautionary examples of the danger of rejecting God’s offer of salvation.
This chapter highlights Jesus’ determination and obedience to the will of His Father, as well as His deep love and care for humanity. It shows us that the path of obedience and devotion is not always easy, but it ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God’s divine plan. The words and actions of Jesus on this final journey remind us that the true treasure lies in heaven and that if we set our hearts on God, we can become part of His eternal kingdom.
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