Last week, we learned that following Jesus means embracing courage, trusting the Holy Spirit, and boldly proclaiming His truth. The world may oppose us, but we are never alone—His Spirit lives within us, His eye watches over us, and His mission stands before us. Jesus calls us to fear God, not man, and in doing so, we can live boldly for Him.

This week, as we finish Matthew 10, Jesus continues His honest conversation about discipleship. He moves from fearless witness to the cost and reward of following Him. The Christian life is not one of comfort but of commitment. It is marked by allegiance to Christ above all, by a willingness to carry the cross, and by the promise of eternal reward.

1. Jesus Divides Before He Unites (Matthew 10:34–36)

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

These are startling words from the Prince of Peace. Jesus reveals that the peace He brings is not worldly peace but spiritual peace with God—a peace that only comes through surrender and reconciliation to the Father. Before there can be true unity, there must first be division between truth and deception, light and darkness, faith and unbelief.

The Greek word Jesus uses for peace, eirēnē, means harmony or tranquility between individuals. But Christ warns that this peace cannot come by compromising truth or entertaining both sides. True peace flows only from full surrender to God, not from avoiding offense.

Culture says, “Keep the peace at all costs. Don’t rock the boat.” Jesus says, “Truth is worth dividing over.” His message often divides families, friendships, and even communities. He quotes Micah 7:6, reminding us that sometimes the fiercest opposition comes from within our own households.

Jesus doesn’t divide for cruelty’s sake—He divides to reveal true allegiance. Like a surgeon’s scalpel, His truth cuts before it heals. The wound of conviction opens the way for spiritual restoration.

Illustration:
Think of a surgeon entering an operating room. Before healing can happen, a cut must be made. The incision is painful, but it’s necessary for life. In the same way, Jesus’ truth often hurts before it heals—it divides loyalties so that genuine devotion can take root.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Luke 12:51–53 – “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”
• Hebrews 4:12 – “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.”
• John 7:43 – “So there was a division among the people because of Him.”

The call is clear: Jesus didn’t come to make us comfortable; He came to make us committed.

2. Jesus Demands Complete Devotion (Matthew 10:37–39)

Jesus continues, “Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me… and whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”

These are some of the most challenging words in Scripture. Jesus is not telling us to neglect our families or to disobey parents. Scripture commands us to honor them (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1–4). But Jesus insists that even our deepest human relationships must not rival our loyalty to Him.

The world preaches “self-care” and “follow your heart.” Jesus preaches “deny yourself” and “follow Me.” Culture says fulfillment comes by putting yourself first; Christ says true fulfillment comes when you die to self.

Following Jesus is not an emotional decision—it’s a sacrificial one. It means taking up our cross daily, surrendering our own desires, ambitions, and comforts for His cause.

Illustration:
Think of an Olympic athlete. They train relentlessly, sacrifice sleep, and distance themselves from distractions—all for a temporary crown. If people can show that kind of discipline for a fading medal, how much more should followers of Jesus live with eternal focus?

Jesus’ call to “take up your cross” wasn’t poetic—it was prophetic. The cross was an instrument of death. When Jesus spoke these words, everyone knew it symbolized total surrender. The message is simple: He won’t compete for second place.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Luke 9:23–24 – “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
• Philippians 3:7–8 – “Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.”
• Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

In a world chasing success, popularity, and comfort, Jesus calls us to something greater: sacrifice that leads to eternal life. Whoever loses their life for His sake will find it.

3. Jesus Rewards Those Who Receive His Messengers (Matthew 10:40–42)

Finally, Jesus shifts from the cost to the crown. He promises that even the smallest act of kindness done in His name carries eternal reward. “Whoever receives you receives Me,” He says, “and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones will by no means lose his reward.”

In a culture obsessed with status and fame, Jesus celebrates service and humility. The world applauds celebrity; heaven honors servanthood.

To receive one of Christ’s followers is to receive Christ Himself—and by extension, to receive the Father who sent Him. The word “prophet” here refers to anyone who speaks God’s Word, whether preacher or layperson. Those who support, serve, or care for God’s messengers share in their reward.

Illustration:
Imagine a weary traveler trudging through the desert. In the heat of the day, a stranger hands him a cup of cold water. That simple act refreshes his soul and gives him the strength to keep going. Jesus says that such small gestures of love—done for His sake—are never forgotten.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Mark 9:41 – “Anyone who gives you a cup of water in My name… will certainly not lose their reward.”
• Hebrews 6:10 – “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him.”
• Colossians 3:23–24 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

Every act of obedience, every word of kindness, and every sacrifice for His kingdom counts. Nothing done for Jesus is ever wasted.

Conclusion: The Cost and the Crown

Matthew 10 closes with both challenge and comfort. Jesus never hides the cost of following Him—but He also never fails to promise the reward.

• He divides to reveal our true allegiance.
• He demands to refine our devotion.
• He rewards to remind us that no act of faithfulness goes unnoticed.

True peace isn’t the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of Christ. The sword He brings cuts away false peace, the cross He calls us to carry deepens our love, and the cup He offers fills us with eternal purpose.

Discipleship is costly—but the crown is worth it. Those who lose their lives for His sake will find them again, crowned with glory, welcomed by the One who said, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”