Discipleship 101 - Swords and Rewards

Living Hope Presbyterian Church

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Matthew 10

Matthew 10: 34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 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. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 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. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

ESV: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ©2011 Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Sermon Summary: The sermon delves into the expectations and challenges of discipleship as outlined in Matthew 10:34-42. Jesus emphasizes that following Him involves conflict, sacrifice, and prioritizing Him above all else. He warns that being His disciple may lead to division even within families, as the gospel can be a divisive sword. However, Jesus also assures that those who receive His disciples will receive Him and the Father, bringing blessings and rewards. The sermon underscores the paradox of losing one’s life for Christ’s sake to find true life and peace in Him.

Key Points:

• Jesus calls people to follow Him and demonstrates His authority through miracles.
• Discipleship involves going into the world, facing opposition, and enduring till the end.
• Following Christ may lead to conflict, sacrifice, and division even within families.
• Prioritizing Jesus above all relationships is crucial for discipleship.
• Taking up one’s cross and losing one’s life for Christ’s sake leads to finding true life in Him.
• Those who receive Jesus’ disciples receive Him and the Father, bringing blessings and rewards.
• Even small acts of kindness towards believers are rewarded by God.

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Matthew 10:34-42

Humor and Anecdotes:

• The speaker shares a personal anecdote about playing basketball with his brother, highlighting the concept of being on the same team despite individual differences.

Key Quotes:

• “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.”
• “Whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
• “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Themes:

• Sacrifice and Prioritization: Discipleship requires sacrificing worldly relationships and priorities for the sake of following Christ wholeheartedly.
• Conflict and Division: Following Jesus may lead to conflicts and divisions, even within families, as the gospel can be a divisive force.
• Rewards and Blessings: Those who receive Jesus’ disciples are promised blessings and rewards from God for their hospitality and kindness.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you prioritize your relationship with Christ above all other relationships in your life?
2. Have you experienced any conflicts or divisions due to your faith? How did you handle them?
3. In what ways can you show hospitality and kindness to fellow believers, even in seemingly small gestures?

Metaphors and Stories:

• The metaphor of taking up one’s cross symbolizes the willingness to endure suffering and sacrifice for Christ’s sake.
• The story of receiving a cup of cold water highlights the significance of even small acts of kindness towards believers in God’s eyes.