Friday, March 21, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Matthew 10
I am a Christ follower, and I love Jesus with all my heart.
Can you say the same?
If so, I wonder if you struggle with the same things I do at times. I have faith and I believe, but sometimes, I hesitate to proclaim those truths to nonbelievers. Does that ever happen to you?
In Matthew Chapter 10, Jesus explains the lifestyle his followers should practice. He makes it clear that we should not let fear cause us to hide our beliefs. Rather, we should speak out to others about the Good News.
Matthew 10:32-33
32Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
Jesus commands us to share his message of love and forgiveness with the world, so that others can experience the freedom he promises. This alone is enough for me to overcome my fear and speak out to share Jesus with others, and I hope it helps you as well.
This also reveals one of my deeper struggles. The Bible tells us that if we love God, we will obey him (John 14:15). However, sometimes I find it difficult to prioritize my love for Jesus. It is easier for me to love physical beings, like my family. While love for others on this earth, especially family, is important, Christ makes it clear he wants to be the focus of our love.
Matthew 10:37
Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Wow! If you are like me, you have an unconditional love for your family, so shouldn’t our love for Jesus be just as unconditional? Yet how many times do we push him aside for the busyness of life, forgetting to include him in all we do? I know for me, it is way too often.
We could never hope to follow these guidelines on our own. Thankfully, God gives us the Holy Spirit to help us and grace when we fall short., He promises great rewards await us if we follow his teachings. We can be bold and open with the unconditional love Jesus has given us. We can move forward without fear, because God has our back.
Questions:
Do you struggle to speak openly about your faith?
Can you honestly say you always put Jesus before your earthly loved ones?
Next Steps:
Read Matthew 10 and absorb all Jesus is saying. Take note that the rewards that await us for obedience far outweigh the difficulties we may face.
Prayer:
Loving Father, there are times when I forget the unconditional love you showed by making the greatest sacrifice of your Son on the cross for me, an undeserving, lowly sinner. Give me the strength and diligence to place you above all else on this earth. Give me the courage to speak out boldly and acknowledge you to others and the wisdom to use the right words to explain your great love for them. I want to please you in humble obedience to your teaching. I know that you are true to your words, and I will one day find great rewards with you in heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 4:15
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
This post was written by Ned Miller, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the LivingItOut.