[:en]Our Daily Scripture – 2/3/22[:]

[:en]OUR DAILY SCRIPTURE:  MATTHEW 10

Bible Verses:

 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.  Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.” (Matthew 10:16)

 “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

 “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.  But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33)

“ Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38)

“ And 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.” (Matthew 10:42)

JESUS SENDS OUT THE TWELVE (vs. 1-15)

The twelve apostles of Jesus are:  Simon (Peter), Andrew, James-on of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James-son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.

When Jesus sent His disciples out, He gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every diseases and sickness.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR JESUS’ DISCIPLES (vs. 5-23)

  1.  Do not go among Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans (v. 5)
  2. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel (v. 6)
  3. Preach this message: “The Kingdom of heaven is near (v. 7)
  4. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons (v. 8)
  5. Do not take along any gold or silver oro copper in your belts (v. 9)
  6. Do not take bag or extra tunic or sandals or a staff (v. 10)
  7. Stay in the house of a worthy person until you leave (v. 11)
  8. Give your greetings as you enter the house (v. 12)
  9. Let your peace rest on the deserving house (v.13)
  10. Leave the house that does not welcome you (v. 14)
  11. Be on guard against men, for they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues (v. 17)
  12. When being arrested, do not worry about what to say or how to say it.  The Spirit of your Father will be speaking for you. (vs. 19-20)
  13. All men will hate you because of me, but stand firm to the end (v. 22)
  14. Flee to another place when you are persecuted in one place (v. 23)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRESENT DISCIPLES (vs. 24-42)

  1. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul (v. 28)
  2. Do not be afraid because even the very hair of your head are being numbered by your Father (v. 29)
  3. Do not be afraid, for you are worth more than many sparrows (v. 31)
  4. Do not be ashamed to acknowledge me before men (v. 32)
  5. Take the cross and follow me (v. 38)

This chapter focused on instructions for the 12 Apostles of Christ, to those apostles during the Book of Acts (especially to Apostle Paul) and to the present followers of Christ.

Christ is the Prince of Peace and the Gospel is the message of peace.  But when people believe in Christ, they usually make enemies.  Christians cannot serve Christ without taking the cross, meaning being crucified to self and bearing His reproach.  But as servant of Christ, he is a representative of Christ.  He represents the King of Kings so that to reject His servant is to reject Christ.  This is an encouragement to those who are serving Him.

SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES FOR GOD’S SERVANTS.

  1.  When Christ calls you, he will equip you and His will be fulfilled.
  2. God does not promise an easy life.  As an ambassador for the king, you are sheep among the wolves (v. 16), sword bearers (vs. 34-36) and cross bearers (vs. 37-39) and you will be hated by the world (vs. 17-18)
  3. Share your gifts with others. Giving a cup of water is also serving  the Lord and your will be rewarded (v. 42)
  4. Jesus can take away all your fears.  Do not be afraid of anything because you are precious to your Father and He will take care of you. (vs. 27-31)

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