Mateus 10
Leon Morris · Citado em PreceptAustin
Mateus 10
Morris - Jesus also said that "five sparrows [are] sold for two farthings" (Luke 12:6). Evidently the sparrow merchants of that day had already introduced the sales method of quantity discounts! And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. "God cares deeply about every creature in His creation. Man has been given dominion over all of them but as a steward, not a spoiler (Genesis 1:26-28; Job 38,39)." (Morris) Here is a sermon against fear, and sparrows are the text. Those birds are of little worth, and you are of far greater consideration than many of them. Spurgeon Commentary on Mt 10:29-31 - This, following upon the former verse, forbids us to forbear our testimony from fear of men. We may not say less or more because of the opposition of the foe. A mighty argument against fear is the comparative weakness of the enemy. Men can only wound our inferior part, the body, but are not able to kill the soul . But if we disobey God, the Supreme Lord of life and death has power even to destroy both parts of our being by casting them both into the death and darkness of Gehenna, or hell. Let us fear the Greater, and we shall not fear the less. There is no cure for the fear of man like the fear of God. Here is a sermon against fear, and sparrows are the text. Those birds are of little worth, and you are of far greater consideration than many of them. God observes the death of a sparrow, and he much more notes the lives and deaths of his people. Even the least part of his children’s bodily frame has been registered. The very hairs of their head are counted and catalogued; and, to the most minute circumstance, all their lives are under the arrangement of the Lord of love. Chance is not in our creed: the decree of the Eternal Watcher rules our destiny, and love is seen in every line of that decree. Since we shall not suffer harm at the hand of men by their arbitrary conduct, apart from the will and permission of our Father, let us be ready to bear with holy courage whatever the wrath of man may bring upon us. God will not waste the life of one of his soldiers; no, nor a hair of his head. If we die in God’s battle we live in the grandest sense, for by loss of life we gain life. Henry Blackaby - The experience : a devotional and journal : day by day with God The Hairs of Your Head “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 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 Have you ever been in a stadium surrounded by thousands of screaming fans? Did you wonder how God could possibly know every person there? It is pretty mind-boggling; there are billions of people in the world, and the Bible says that God knows everything there is to know about every one of us! We might consider our lives insignificant in the global scheme of things, but Jesus would disagree. In fact, he made a point of showing the disciples just how intimately the Father knew them. Tiny and weak, sparrows are among the least important creatures on earth. Their life span is so short, who even notices when it’s over? God does. If that is true, God is more than capable of loving each and every person he has created. In case his friends still didn’t get it, Jesus went on: God even knows the number of hairs on our heads. The truth is, God knows us better than we know ourselves. God doesn’t see us as a massive crowd; he sees and loves each of us individually. The disciples were going out to a hostile world. They would deal with dangerous, evil people. They would be mocked and threatened; they would even be face-to-face with demons. Jesus wanted to assure them that their heavenly Father was in control, that he loved each one of them, and that he was watching over them. This promise is for you too. Don’t ever assume you are just one of the crowd or that God isn’t intimately acquainted with your life. You are precious to God. He knows everything about you. He loves you more than you know. You can trust him with your life. Matthew 10:29 HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW! - These words of Jesus are a rebuke to faltering faith, and an exhortation to put our trust in God. A sparrow in Jesus' day was worth about one-eighth of a cent, and yet He who controls the universe is interested in each one of these insignificant little birds. If His eye notes the sparrow's fall, will He not also enter into every pang that rends the heart of His children? C. F. Bundy has an interesting commentary on this passage. He writes: "This precious verse is usually misquoted. Note that it does not say 'to the ground' but 'on the ground.' Picture in your mind an active little sparrow, and the significance of the difference will become clear. The sparrow does not have to fall from a height, or die, but merely stumble as it hops along 'on the ground,' and God knows and cares! How much more is He concerned when one of His children stumbles and falls or is tried in the way of life! Not only so, but He is ever ready to help, strengthen, and restore such a fallen one. Don't wait for an emergency or a great tragedy before you call upon the Lord; rather, present to Him the problems, perplexities, and the little needs of everyday living!" An anonymous poet exclaims: "When the birds begin to worry, and the lilies toil and spin, and God's creatures all are anxious, then I also may begin; for my Father sets their table, decks them out in garments fine, and if He supplies their living, will He not provide for mine? Just as noisy, common sparrows can be found most anywhere — unto some a worthless creature, if it perish who would care? Yet our Heavenly Father numbers every creature great and small, caring even for the sparrows, marking when each one doth fall. If His children's hairs are numbered, why should we be filled with fear? He has promised all that's needful, and in trouble to be near!" If God sees the sparrow's fall, Paints the lily, short and tall, Gives the skies their azure hue, Will He not then care for you? — Anon. With God's strength behind you, His love within you, and His arms underneath you, you are more than sufficient for the job ahead of you! —Wm. A. Ward The Bird Watcher Not one [sparrow] falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. —Matthew 10:29 Today's Scripture: Matthew 10:29-33 Someone has said, “A bird on the wing has found man looking up in envy, but a hummingbird by the feeder can stir up within him how awesome is his God.” Hummingbirds have been called “flying jewels” or “flying marvels.” Their agility and grace are truly fascinating as they flit from flower to flower in search of nectar. Bird watchers are captivated by them. Did you know that our heavenly Father is a bird watcher too? But He’s much more than a mere observer who marvels at what He has made. Rather, He knows, feeds, and constantly watches over all His creatures (Ps. 50:11; 147:9; Mt. 6:26). Consider how Jesus used this truth to reassure His disciples. He had told them they would be hated, persecuted, and rejected. Then He said that not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father’s will (Mt. 10:29), nor is one “forgotten before God” (Lk. 12:6). The disciples knew they were more valuable than birds (v.7), so they could be sure God would care for them. He clothes the lilies, feeds the birds; Would He to you, then, pay less heed? Look up to Him with prayerful heart, He will supply your every need. —Renfrow His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me. —Martin Our Father’s Care Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. Matthew 10:29 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 10:16–20, 26–31 Thwack! I looked up and craned my ear toward the sound. Spotting a smudge on the windowpane, I peered out onto the deck and discovered the still-beating body of a bird. My heart hurt. I longed to help the fragile feathered being. In Matthew 10, Jesus described His Father’s care for sparrows in order to comfort the disciples as He warned of upcoming dangers. He offered instructions to the twelve as He “gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness” (v. 1). While the power to do such deeds might have seemed grand to the disciples, many would oppose them, including governing authorities, their own families, and the ensnaring grip of the evil one (vv. 16–28). Then in 10:29–31, Jesus told them not to fear whatever they faced because they would never be out of their Father’s care. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?” He asked. “Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. . . . So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” How have you seen God care for you in the past? How can you gain courage for all you face by understanding that you’re never outside your Father’s care? Dear Father, thank You for always watching over and caring for me. Sparrow’s Flight Not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. —Matthew 10:29 Today's Scripture: Matthew 10:27-33 After dinner one night, a tiny brown sparrow flew inside our house through the front door. A chase ensued. Each time my husband got near to it, the little intruder fluttered away in a desperate search for an exit. Before we could escort it safely outside, the bird toured the house so frantically that we could see its chest throbbing from its rapid heartbeat. Sometimes we are like that little bird—anxious, frazzled, and afraid of what might happen next. It comforts me to think that “not one [sparrow] falls to the ground” without God knowing about it (Matt. 10:29). He sees and knows everything in our world. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place” (Prov. 15:3), and nothing escapes His attention, including you and me. God understands and values the finest points of our being. Jesus said, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matt. 10:30). If God sees the sparrow’s fall, Paints the lilies short and tall, Gives the skies their azure hue, Will He not then care for you? —Anon. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. Matthew 10:30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 1Sa 14:45 2Sa 14:11 1Ki 1:52 Lu 12:7 Lk 21:18 Ac 27:34 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Jesus reasons with a little "divine arithmetic!" The verb numbered (arithmeo) is (perfect tense) implying they are permanently numbered (even if they do not stay permanently present on our head!) and the passive voice implies God numbered them (divine passive) Notice how Jesus places emphasis on the smallest, seemingly insignificant things (hairs), to highlight the point that if God is concerned about these things, how much more will He take care of those who are created in His own image and who have been born into His family and are forever His children. If He knows about and is concerned about the number of hairs, how much more is His care for our entire person, body, soul and spirit? (That's rhetorical). As John writes "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." (1 John 3:1+) 🙏 THOUGHT - Dearly beloved (and ponder that phrase for that is what you are in God's eyes!!! See Zeph 3:17+), the next time you doubt your Father's love and concern for you, take a moment and meditate on the truth in these passages. Remember your hairs. If He is concerned about your VERY HAIRS, would He not be concerned about your very being? Of course not! God will not waste the life of one of his soldiers; no, nor a hair of his head. If we die in God’s battle we live in the grandest sense, for by loss of life we gain life. --C H Spurgeon
Mateus 10
Morris - The disciples were even given the power to raise the dead (BUT SEE THE TECHNICAL NOTE BELOW), although no instances of this are recorded until Peter's raising of Tabitha much later (Acts 9:40+). The testimony of Jesus heard by John the Baptist in prison (Matthew 11:5) may indicate that a number of such miracles did occur. (Defender's Study Bible) (ED: See also the resurrection of Eutychus by the Apostle Paul in Acts 20:7-9, 10+) Freely you received, freely give - NLT = "Give as freely as you have received!" ESV = "You received without paying; give without pay." CSB = "You have received free of charge; give free of charge." (THIS IS ONE REASON I WOULD NEVER CHARGE FOR THIS WEBSITE!) It might be tempting to charge people for these miracles (televangelists have made an evil art of this in our day!), but this would discourage receiving any payment for these miracles. God's Spirit performed them. Men were simply the human instruments. God Alone should be the recipient of all praise and adulation, never finite men. John Broadus on freely you received, freely give - The Jewish exorcists who pretended to cast out demons were no doubt accustomed to have pay; and physicians of course took pay for healing the sick. The Twelve could easily have obtained money, in large sums, for the cures they were empowered to perform (SEE Why are there so many televangelist scandals?). We might think it strange that they should need to be told not to do so; but they had as yet very imperfect conceptions of the nature of Christ’s work, and not merely might Judas Iscariot have been glad enough to drive a brisk trade in miraculous healing for pay, but others of them might have seen no impropriety in receiving compensation for conferring such important benefits. Jesus tells them they received gratis, and must give gratis. They had not purchased the power of miraculous healing—as Simon Magus wished to do, (Acts: 8:18)—nor obtained it by long and expensive study, and laborious practice; it was received as a gift, and must be exercised in like manner. The miracles were really credentials for their teaching, as well as indications of divine benevolence, and should be used accordingly. As to teaching, we find Micah (3:11) making it a reproach that the heads of Israel “judge for reward, priests teach for hire, and prophets divine for money.” Some of the later Jewish writers maintained very earnestly, though often on fanciful grounds, and though many rabbis acted quite otherwise, that a man ought not to teach the law for pay, but gratuitously—just as Socrates and Plato held with reference to philosophy. Technical Note on Raise the Dead - The majority of Byzantine minuscules, along with a few other witnesses (C(3 )K L G Q 700* al), lack nekrous egeirete, "raise the dead", most likely because of oversight due to a string of similar endings (-ete in the second person imperatives, occurring five times in v. 8). The longer version of this verse is found in several diverse and ancient witnesses such as a B C* (D) N 0281(vid )¦(1, 13 )33 565 al lat; P W D 348 have a word-order variation, but nevertheless include nekrous egeirete. Although some Byzantine-text proponents charge the Alexandrian witnesses with theologically-motivated alterations toward heterodoxy, it is interesting to find a variant such as this in which the charge could be reversed (do the Byzantine scribes have something against the miracle of resurrection?). In reality, such charges of wholesale theologically-motivated changes toward heterodoxy are immediately suspect due to lack of evidence of intentional changes (here the change is evidently due to accidental omission) (NET Note) Related Resources: What is divine healing? | GotQuestions.org What is the spiritual gift of healing? | GotQuestions.org Why is leprosy talked about so much in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian today perform an exorcism? What does the Bible say about casting out demons? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about demon possession / demonic possession? Henry Blackaby - The experience : a devotional and journal : day by day with God Free Gifts “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8 You’re probably familiar with the term oxymoron: “sweet sorrow,” “uniquely uniform,” “cute in an ugly sort of way”; some words don’t go together. The term selfish Christian is an oxymoron, or at least it should be, because there ought to be no such thing. But why should Christians be unselfish? Because we’re filthy rich? Not likely. Because we have more time than everyone else? Very unlikely! Maybe it’s because we’ve received more; therefore, we have more to give than anyone else. We Christians are experts at receiving. We’ve soaked in God’s love, forgiveness, and healing. We’ve eagerly accepted eternal life. We’ve been adopted into God’s family, and we gladly claim the myriad of promises the Bible says are just for us. We don’t pretend to have earned any of these things; they’re all free gifts from God, and we know it. Nor are we dense enough to suppose we could ever repay God. In fact, God doesn’t ask us to pay him back. He does ask one thing, however. He wants us to become experts at giving as well as receiving. Selfishness is a sign that we’ve forgotten who we are. If we give only to people we consider worthy of our gift, we’ve missed the whole point. Whether the person in need deserves our help is irrelevant. The evidence of genuine Christianity is the willingness to give whatever it takes to whoever needs it. Be on the lookout today for a way to share with someone else something God has given you. Matthew 10:9 “Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, Mk 6:8 Lu 9:3 Lk 10:4 22:35 1Co 9:7-27 Related Passage: Mt 6:19-21+ (THE RIGHT KIND OF ACQUIRING!!!) “Do not store up (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 “But store up (present imperative [the rest of your short time on earth - Jas 4:14+] see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for (term of explanation) where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (THOUGHT - WHERE'S YOUR TREASURE? THAT TELLS YOU WHERE YOUR HEART IS!) YOU ARE NOT TO GET RICH PREACHING THE GOSPEL! Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts - The verb acquire (ktaomai) means to procure for oneself. This is another way of saying they were not to charge for miracles! How can the Health and Wealth preachers read this and not repent and weep? (Why are there so many televangelist scandals?) In Mark 6:8 the disciples were instructed to take "no money in the belt, the Greek noun zone which was a belt or girdle used as article of clothing for men and was bound around the waist (cf John the Baptist Mk 1:6+). This belt served another function if one was in a hurry or wanted to run. The long robes worn by the men in that day could be tucked into this belt and free up leg movement. It is but right and just that people should support in temporals those who minister to them in spirituals Spurgeon Commentary - They would not need to pay for food or lodging: the people would entertain them freely, and therefore they required no form of money; not even a copper. They needed not to carry a wallet; for meals would be generously offered them by those whom they instructed and healed. They were not to load themselves with extra clothing; for if the weather should require it, the people would supply it: even if their shoes wore out, their hearers would see them shod. When a ministry is really acceptable, the preacher will not be left to suffer want as to the absolute necessaries of life. They needed not even wait to find a staff; for if one was required, and they set off without it, one would be given. Among a willing people, such a mission is not only possible, but it is in the highest degree suitable. It is but right and just that people should support in temporals those who minister to them in spirituals, and it is right that plans should be adopted which cast this duty upon them, as in this case. The preacher is to preach freely; but those who are benefited are also freely to find meat for him. Such a mission as this is not a mission to the heathen in any sense. Its methods are good for itself, but they would not be possible among hostile tribes: in the case of work among opponents, our Lord’s command under other circumstances is to be followed. See Luke 22:36+: “He that hath a purse, let him take it,” etc. Different modes of procedure are to be adopted at different times. Oh, that some of our very spiritual brethren had a little common-sense! We offer the prayer with very faint heart. Related Resources: What does the Bible say about prosperity? | GotQuestions.org Is “name it claim it” teaching biblical? | GotQuestions.org Adam
Mateus 10
Morris - The Lord Jesus, as Creator, has the authority and ability to give supernatural power to specially called men. They did not seek such power, but it was given to them for a special time and purpose. It is dangerous for others to seek it for themselves (Acts 8:18-20). John Broadus - Having led the disciples to feel interest in perishing throngs of men, and encouraged them to pray for laborers, Jesus now bids them go forth to labor themselves. We ought carefully to observe the slow and gradual process by which our Lord prepared the Twelve for their great and important life-work. First, he called various individuals to be his disciples, as, for example, those in John 1:35–51; these went with him for a time, but afterwards returned to their homes and their secular employments. Next, he called some to attach themselves permanently to him, as above in 4:18–22, stating at the time his intention to make them fishers of men. After a while, he selected from the general mass of his followers the Twelve, who were to be specially near to him, and to be trained for special duties; delivering to them, immediately after their selection (see on 5:1), a great discourse on the true nature of that Messianic reign which they were to aid in bringing about. And now, at a still later period, when they have been long hearing his discourses to the people, talking with him familiarly in private, and witnessing his multiplied miracles, he sends them forth, two and two, to preach and heal; but not yet to work independently of him, for they are only to go before and prepare the way for his coming. After a season spent in such personal labors, they will return, and remain long with him, receiving further instruction, which they will more earnestly desire and more fully appreciate, from their attempts at actual preaching. And finally, after his ascension, they will be ready, with the Holy Spirit as their abiding Instructor, to go and disciple all nations. After all this training they could do nothing without the Spirit; yet, though they were to have the Spirit, they must also have this training—doing what they could, meanwhile, to reap the great and perishing harvest, but devoting themselves mainly to preparation for wider usefulness in the coming years. Spurgeon Exposition - Matthew 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. See the way of making apostles. They were first disciples, and afterwards teachers of others: they were specially his, and then they were given to be a blessing to men. They were "called unto him"; and thus their higher call came to them. In the presence of their Lord they received their equipment: "He gave them power." Is that so with us in our own special office? Let us come to him, that we may be clothed with his authority and girded with his strength. Their power was miraculous; but it was an imitation of their Lord’s, and the words applied to it are very much the same as we have seen in use about his miracles of healing. The twelve were made to represent their Lord. We, too, may be enabled to do what Jesus did among men. Oh, for such an endowment! We, too, may be enabled to do what Jesus did among men. Oh, for such an endowment! Related Resources: Does the Bible give any one individual spiritual authority over another individual? gotquestions.org How much authority should a pastor have over a church? gotquestions.org Does a believer have authority over Satan? gotquestions.org Do Christians have the authority to rebuke the devil? gotquestions.org What does the Bible say about demons? Do demons exist? Can demons attach themselves to non-living/inanimate objects? What does Satan look like? What do demons look like? How are idols connected to demons (Deuteronomy 32:16-17)? Can a Christian today perform an exorcism? What does the Bible say about casting out demons? Luke 4:31-34 Jesus' Authority over Demons, Part 1 - John MacArthur Luke 4:31-34 Jesus' Authority over Demons, Part 2 - John MacArthur Luke 4:31-37 Jesus' Authority over Demons, Part 3 - John MacArthur Clean, Cleanness - Holman Bible Dictionary Impurity - Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature Clean, Unclean - Baker's Evangelical Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Clean and Unclean Unclean, Uncleanness Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Unclean International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Uncleanness Question: What are unclean spirits? Are unclean spirits demons? Answer: An unclean spirit is simply a New Testament synonym, a more descriptive Jewish term, for a demon. The terms unclean spirit and demon seem to be interchangeable in Scripture. There is no clear difference in their definitions. Some translations refer to them as “impure spirits.” Throughout the New Testament, the term unclean spirits (akathartos in the Greek language) is mentioned over twenty times. Throughout those passages we read that unclean spirits can possess people and cause them sickness and harm (Matthew 10:1; 12:43; Mark 1:26; Luke 4:36; 6:18; Acts 5:16; 8:7), that they are searching for someone to possess if they are not currently possessing someone (Matthew 12:43), that some are more unclean or evil than others (Luke 11:26), that unclean spirits can interact with one another (Mark 5:1–20; Matthew 12:45), and that unclean spirits are under God’s authority and must submit to Him (Mark 1:27; 3:11; 5:8, 13). An unclean spirit or demon is “unclean” in that it is wicked. Evil spirits are not only wicked themselves, but they delight in wickedness and promote wickedness in humans. They are spiritually polluted and impure, and they seek to contaminate all of God’s creation with their filth. Their foul, putrid nature is in direct contrast to the purity and incorruption of the Holy Spirit’s nature. When a person is defiled by an unclean spirit, he takes pleasure in corrupt thoughts and actions; when a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, his thoughts and actions are heavenly. Some people hold the idea that unclean spirits or demons are deceased humans who may or may not have been evil while alive. However, we know the unclean spirits mentioned in the Bible are not referring to the dead, for several reasons. One, humans are never called “spirits” when the word spirit is used as a stand-alone term, without a possessive. In Scripture, men are said to have a spirit/soul (saying “his spirit” in Proverbs 25:28 and 1 Corinthians 5:5), but men are not called “spirits.” Another reason is that, once a person dies, he immediately goes either to eternal life with the Lord or to eternal darkness in hell (Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:6–8; Matthew 25:46). Human spirits, therefore, do not and cannot wander on earth in their spirit bodies. Any unclean spirit that wanders around, taking up residence in places or people or interacting with people in any way, is a fallen angel—a demon (Matthew 12:44). All unclean spirits mentioned in Scripture are demons, and all demons are definitely unclean, unholy, impure, evil spirits doomed to an eternity in hell (Matthew 25:41). (Source: GotQuestions.org) QUESTION: What is the authority of the believer? ANSWER: The authority of the believer rests on the believer’s mandate to serve the Lord. When we are in God’s will, we can move with confidence that we are doing what is right and that the Holy Spirit’s power is at work within and through us. Some ministries emphasize the authority of the believer to an unhealthy and unbiblical extent. It’s better to remember the meekness to which we are called (Titus 3:1–2; James 3:13). Even Paul, who as an apostle had genuine authority over the church, did not always exert his authority: “Although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love” (Philemon 1:8–9). Before we start enumerating the things that fall under the authority of the believer, we must acknowledge that, first and foremost, the believer is under authority. “God [is] the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). And our Lord Jesus reminds us, “You also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty’” (Luke 17:10). The believer’s life is one of total dependence on God, as modeled by the Son of Man (see Luke 22:42 and John 5:30). God has appointed lesser authorities in this world to rule under Him. Parents have authority over their children (Ephesians 6:1). Husbands have authority over their wives (Ephesians 5:22–24). Kings have authority over their subjects (Romans 13:1–7). The apostles had authority over the church (Acts 4:34–35; Philemon 1:3). Some people use the Great Commission to teach the authority of the believer: “Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you’” (Matthew 28:18–20). But the authority in the passage clearly belongs to Jesus. He claims “all authority” and then tells those who fall under His authority what to do. Based on the Great Commission, the only “authority” believers possess is the authority to go into all the world, the authority to make disciples, the authority to baptize in the name of the Triune God, and the authority to teach Jesus’ commands. In the exercise of this authority, the believer is simply obeying orders. Besides the authority to share the gospel, the authority of the believer includes the right to be called a child of God (John 1:12) and the authority to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). In all things, we remember that Christ is the Lord. “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17). Some Christians get mixed up about the authority of the believer because they take verses out of context. Matthew 10:1, for example, says, “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” Some people claim authority over demons and sickness based on this verse, overlooking the fact that Jesus was speaking to a particular group of people (“his twelve disciples”) for a particular time of ministry. Others assert they possess apostolic gifts, claiming for themselves the same authority as Peter or Paul. Some people claim authority for the believer based on Old Testament promises to Joshua (Joshua 1:3), Gideon (Judges 6:23), or Israel (Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:10)—again, taking verses out of context. Other believers claim authority based on Mark 16:17–18, even though that portion of Mark’s gospel is a late addition and not original. Paul exhorted Titus to teach the Scripture boldly, with authority (Titus 2:15). As believers serve each other and the Lord, they should do so with confidence and the authority that comes with knowing they are doing God’s work: “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11). The authority of the believer comes from God and from God’s Word. As we are God’s ambassadors, we can speak with His authority as we share His Word, appealing to the world on behalf of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). We wield the sword of the Spirit, a mighty weapon forged by God for our use (Ephesians 6:17). gotquestions.org (BOLDING ADDED) (ED COMMENT: In view of that last line, it behooves us to diligently seek to memorize His Word of Truth and Life so that we might be prepared at all times to accurately wield the sword of the Spirit for His glory and honor.) Demonic Oppression When I suspect demon oppression, I usually pray silently. Demons, as spiritual creatures, can "hear" whether I speak aloud or not. —Marguerite Shuster, Leadership, Vol. 12, no. 3. See: Matthew 10:1; Mark 16:9; James 2:19. (Today's Best Illustrations - Elisha Hodge) Getting Beyond Discussion Let us cease arguing about the existence of demons and concern ourselves with what the demons are actually doing. —Donald Bloesch in Theological Notebook (Vol. l). Christianity Today, Vol. 34, no. 11. See: Matthew 10:1; Matthew 12:45; 1 Peter 5:8. (Today's Best Illustrations - Elisha Hodge) Humor: Time Heals All Heads I was standing up to leave a restaurant and solidly hit my head on a lamp hanging above the table. Grimacing, I staggered away, but still heard these words—intended to comfort—from an older gentleman sitting nearby: "It will feel better when it stops hurting." —Joanna Lerud, Steamboat Rock, Iowa. Christian Reader, "Lite Fare." See: Matthew 10:1; Mark 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:9.(Today's Best Illustrations - Elisha Hodge) Statistic: Healed by Faith A recent survey at a meeting of the American Academy of Family Physicians revealed the following: • Percentage of family doctors who are convinced that religious belief can heal: 99 • ...believe the prayers of others can help a patient's recovery: 75 • ...believe faith-healers can make people well: 38 —Yankelovich Partners, cited in Parade (12/1/96). Leadership, "To Verify." See: Matthew 10:1; Mark 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:9. (Today's Best Illustrations - Elisha Hodge) John
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Morris - Note that the twelve are called both "disciples" ("learners," or "followers") and "apostles" (sent ones, possibly equivalent in essence to missionaries). Although all believers should be disciples of Christ, these are called the twelve disciples because they were taught directly by Him. They were also specially sent out by Him into all the world and so were also called His twelve "apostles" (Mark 16:14,15; John 20:19-23; Acts 1:8). Later a few others (Paul), with similar special training and commissioning directly by Christ, were also recognized as apostles. This designation is not appropriate for other followers, especially anyone after the apostolic period. (Defender's Study Bible) Criswell - In the early church an "apostle" (apostolos, Gk.) is a representative of the authority of the risen Lord. The term describes the function of the Twelve (cf. Mark 3:14-19; Luke 6:13-16; John 1:40-49) who are sent out by Jesus. The Twelve made up the body of authoritative leaders in the church. James, the brother of Jesus (Gal. 1:19), Silvanus (1 Thess. 1:1), Andronicus and Junia (Rom. 16:7), Barnabas and Paul (Acts 14:4, 14), and others are designated "apostles," though not in the same technical sense that the Twelve are. Peter specifies that an apostle must be an eyewitness of Jesus' life and activity from the time of His baptism to the resurrection/ascension (Acts 1:22).
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Morris - The parallel account of these instructions says that Jesus told "them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only" (Mark 6:8+). Since "stave" and "staff" are from the same Greek word, there seems to be a slight contradiction as to what Jesus actually said. However, "provide" (Matthew 10:9) comes from a different Greek word than "take" in Mark 6:8. That is, the disciples were told to take only what they already had, namely, the ordinary walking stick which they normally carried as they walked from place to place. But they were not to make other special preparations, nor to acquire an extra staff or new shoes or an additional coat, but to rely entirely on the Lord, through His people, to provide their needs. Louis Barbieri comments on the difference regarding staff - Mark, however, recorded that the apostles could take a staff (Mark 6:8). This problem is solved by observing that Matthew said they were not to "procure" (ktēsēsthe) extra items (Matt. 10:9), but Mark wrote that they could "take" (airōsen) any staffs they already had. (See Bible Knowledge Commentary) William
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Morris - Once the saving gospel has been clearly presented, and is rejected by the hearers, then the witnessing believer should not argue further for a conversion. There are multitudes of others still waiting to hear, and the Christian should go on to present the gospel to them. The Holy Spirit must convict those he leaves. John
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Morris - This would not happen during the disciples' first missionary journey around Israel but was fulfilled in intense measure later. Jesus was giving instructions to His disciples not only for their immediate assignment, but for the future worldwide evangelization ministry He would give them and all subsequent disciples. The instructions from Matthew 10:16 to the end of the chapter apply to all believers from then until "the Son of man be come" (Matthew 10:23). (Borrow The Defender's Study Bible) Adam
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Morris - The obverse of this is that there are those who will disown Jesus before men here on earth; they will reject Jesus and side with his worldly opponents. The remainder of the saying follows the pattern of the previous one, bringing out the truth that those who disown Jesus here on earth are stuck with the consequences of their choice. They will necessarily find themselves disowned before the heavenly Father. Jesus is pointing out that there are permanent consequences of rejecting him. Those who do this suffer not some slight and temporary inconvenience, but the eternal consequences of rejection by God himself. [Morris quotes Robinson - Robinson denies that this passage has in view arbitrary rewards and punishments: “It is in the nature of things that a man cannot be on both sides at once. If he belongs to Jesus, is one of his friends, holds a place in his company, then it follows that he will admit and even claim his position. If he fails, then by that very act he excludes himself from the divine community whose essential bond is a common love and loyalty to Christ.”] (Borrow The Gospel According to Matthew) Matthew 10:34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. that I: Jer 15:10 Lu 12:49-53 Joh 7:40-52 Ac 13:45-50 Acts 14:2,4 Related Passages: Luke 12:49-53+ “I have come to cast (ballo) fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 “But I have a baptism (THE CROSS) to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! 51 “Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division (diamerismos); 52 for (TERM OF EXPLANATION) from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. 53 “They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” John 7:40-52+ Some of the people therefore, when they heard these words, were saying, “This certainly is the Prophet.” 41 Others were saying, “This is the Christ.” Still others were saying, “Surely the Christ is not going to come from Galilee, is He? 42 “Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the descendants of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” 43 So a division (schisma) occurred in the crowd because of Him. 44 Some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him. 45 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?” 46 The officers answered, “Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks.” 47 The Pharisees then answered them, “You have not also been led astray, have you? 48 “No one of the rulers or Pharisees has believed in Him, has he? 49 But this crowd which does not know the Law is accursed.” 50 Nicodemus (he who came to Him before, being one of them) *said to them, 51 “Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?” 52 They answered him, “You are not also from Galilee, are you? Search, and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee.” THE TRUTH OF JESUS' GOSPEL DIVIDES Do not think (nomizo) that I came to bring (ballo - cast) peace (eirene) on the earth(ge); I did not come to bring (ballo) peace (eirene), but a sword (machaira - short sword, dagger) - He defuses the belief that His coming was as a conquering Messiah who would defeat Rome and establish peace in Isael. Jesus is not speaking of a literal sword, but is using this metaphor to emphasize that His coming and His cross will radically divide mankind into those for Him and those (the majority) against Him. Clearly the Gospel that Jesus would make effective by His death on the Cross brings peace with God to all who believe and are justified (Ro 5:1+), but that is not what the Jews were looking for in a Messiah. Jesus explains this paradoxical statement in Luke 12:49-53+ (see above) and in the following context. There will be division even in families for some members will receive Jesus as Savior while others sadly will reject His offer of salvation. And most of us have family situations that sadly prove Jesus' words to be all too true! When we walk with the Lord, we'll be out of step with the world. Lord, teach us how to behave in these trying circumstances. Spurgeon Commentary on Mt 10:34-36 - Peace will be the ultimate issue of our Lord’s coming; but, at the first, the Lord Jesus sends a sword among men. He wars against war, and contends against contention. In the act of producing the peace of heaven he arouses the rage of hell. Truth provokes opposition, purity excites enmity, and righteousness arouses all the forces of wrong. During the process of fermentation, in which the right works for mastery, natural relationships go for nothing as preservatives of peace. The coming of Christ into a house is often the cause of variance between the converted and the unconverted. The more loving the Christian is, the more he may be opposed: love creates a tender zeal for the salvation of friends, and that very zeal frequently calls forth resentment. We are to expect this, and not to be put about by it when it occurs. Animosities on account of religion often excite the fiercest of enmities, and nearness of kin inflames rather than quenches the hostility. We are to press on in confessing the Lord Jesus, come what may of it. Even if our house becomes a den of lions to us, we must stand up for our Lord. The peace-at-any-price people have no portion in this kingdom. Lord, teach us how to behave in these trying circumstances. Peace (1515)(eirene from verb eiro = to join or bind together that which has been separated) literally pictures the binding or joining together again of that which had been separated or divided and thus setting at one again, a meaning convey by the common expression of one “having it all together”. It follows that peace is the opposite of division or dissension. Eirene in Gospels - Matt. 10:13; Matt. 10:34; Mk. 5:34; Lk. 1:79; Lk. 2:14; Lk. 2:29; Lk. 7:50; Lk. 8:48; Lk. 10:5; Lk. 10:6; Lk. 11:21; Lk. 12:51; Lk. 14:32; Lk. 19:38; Lk. 19:42; Lk. 24:36; Jn. 14:27; Jn. 16:33; Jn. 20:19; Jn. 20:21; Jn. 20:26 Norman Geisler - When Critics Ask - MATTHEW 10:34–36—Did Jesus come to bring peace or war? PROBLEM: Here Jesus affirms, “I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” However, elsewhere He is called “the prince of peace” (Isa. 9:6) who said, “My peace I give to you” (John 14:27) and told His disciples to put away the sword, “for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matt. 26:52). So, which are we to believe? Did Jesus come to bring peace or the sword? SOLUTION: We must distinguish between the purpose of Christ’s coming to earth and the result of it. His design was to bring peace—peace with God for unbelievers (Ro 5:1+) and eventually, the peace of God for believers (Phil. 4:7+). However, the immediate consequence of Christ’s coming was to divide those who were for Him and those who were against Him—the children of God from the children of this world (ED: I WOULD ADD - THE CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL, Jn 8:44+). But, just as the goal of an amputation is to relieve pain, so the immediate effect is to inflict pain. Likewise, Christ’s ultimate mission is to bring peace, both to the human heart and to earth. Nonetheless, the immediate effect of His message was to divide those in the kingdom of God from those in the kingdom of Satan. (Borrow When critics ask : a popular handbook on Bible difficulties)
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Morris - This paradoxical principle was emphasized by the Lord Jesus more often than any other. The same truth is also stressed by Paul (Ro 12:1,2 2Co5:14,15 6:9,10 Gal 2:20 Php 1:20,21 2:5-11 2Ti 2:11,12 4:6-8).This divine paradox of dying to self and living unto God is the very essence of a truly happy and fulfilling life in this world and eternal life in the world to come. (Defender's Study Bible) He who loses life for Christ’s sake does in the highest sense find life, life eternal, life infinitely blessed. He makes the wisest choice who lays down his life for Jesus, and finds life in Jesus. Spurgeon Commentary If to escape from death he gives up Christ, and so finds a continuance of this poor mortal life; by that very act he loses true life. He gains the temporal at the expense of the eternal. On the other hand, he who loses life for Christ’s sake does in the highest sense find life, life eternal, life infinitely blessed. He makes the wisest choice who lays down his life for Jesus, and finds life in Jesus. Lose (622) apollumi from apo = away from or wholly + olethros = state of utter ruin <> ollumi = to destroy <> root of apollyon [Re 9:11] = destroyer) means to destroy utterly but not to cause one to cease to exist. Apollumi then has the basic meaning of describing that which is ruined and is no longer usable for its intended purpose. Apollumi as it relates to men, is not the loss of being per se, but is more te loss of well-being. It means to ruin so that the person (or thing) ruined can no longer serve the use for which he (it) was designed. To render useless. The gospel promises everlasting life for the one who believes. The failure to possess this life will result in utter ruin and eternal uselessness (but not a cessation of existence). APOLLUMI IN GOSPELS - Matt. 2:13; Matt. 5:29; Matt. 8:25; Matt. 9:17; Matt. 10:6; Matt. 10:28; Matt. 10:39; Matt. 10:42; Matt. 12:14; Matt. 15:24; Matt. 16:25; Matt. 18:11; Matt. 18:14; Matt. 21:41; Matt. 22:7; Matt. 26:52; Matt. 27:20; Mk. 1:24; Mk. 2:22; Mk. 3:6; Mk. 4:38; Mk. 8:35; Mk. 9:22; Mk. 9:41; Mk. 11:18; Mk. 12:9; Lk. 4:34; Lk. 5:37; Lk. 6:9; Lk. 8:24; Lk. 9:24; Lk. 9:25; Lk. 9:56; Lk. 11:51; Lk. 13:3; Lk. 13:5; Lk. 13:33; Lk. 15:4; Lk. 15:6; Lk. 15:8; Lk. 15:9; Lk. 15:17; Lk. 15:24; Lk. 15:32; Lk. 17:27; Lk. 17:29; Lk. 17:33; Lk. 19:10; Lk. 19:47; Lk. 20:16; Lk. 21:18; Jn. 3:16; Jn. 6:12; Jn. 6:27; Jn. 6:39; Jn. 10:10; Jn. 10:28; Jn. 11:50; Jn. 12:25; Jn. 17:12; Jn. 18:9 Click here for an in depth 3 PAGE discussion in the New International Dictionary of the New Testament Oswald Chambers in He Shall Glorify Me - Losing Ourselves He that findeth his life [soul] shall lose it: and he that loseth his life [soul] for My sake shall find it. Matthew 10:39†† “We are what we are interested in.” “Soul” refers to the way a personal spirit reasons and thinks in a human body. We talk about a man exhibiting “soul” in singing or in painting, that is, he is expressing his personal spirit. “If you are going to be My disciple,” says Jesus, “you must lose your soul, i.e., your way of reasoning, and acquire another way.” When the Holy Spirit energises my spirit, my way of reasoning begins to alter, and Jesus says unless I am prepared for that, I cannot be His disciple. It takes a long time to acquire a new way of reasoning, the majority of us who are inclined to be earnest Christian people simply deal with the fact of spiritual experience without any spiritual reasoning. We have to acquire the new soul with patience (Luke 21:19). 1. The Undiscovered Territory of Conscious Realisation He that findeth his life . . .†† There is nothing more highly esteemed among men than self-realisation, but Jesus says that “that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” We are apt to have the notion that all Jesus Christ came to do was to deliver morally corrupt people from their corruption. A man is largely responsible for the corruption of his actual life; Jesus Christ does not deal with my morality or immorality, but with “my right to myself.” Whenever our Lord talked about discipleship He always said “IF”— “If any man will be My disciple, let him deny himself,”†† not deny himself things as an athlete does, but “let him give up his right to himself to Me.” If I am going to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Master I must realise what I have to forgo, viz., the best thing I know, my right to myself. It is easy to say, “Yes, I am delighted to be saved from hell and put right for heaven, but I don’t intend to give up my right to myself.” Apart from Jesus Christ, conscious self-realisation is the great thing—the desire to develop myself. My natural self may be noble, but it is a moral earthquake to realise that if I pursue the conscious realisation of myself it must end in losing my ideal of life. It is a tremendous revelation when I realise that self-realisation is the very spirit of antichrist. Self-realisation is possible in the spiritual domain as well as the natural. Much of the “Higher Spiritual Life”* teaching is simply self-realisation veneered over with Christian terms. For a man to be set on his own salvation, on his own whiteness, to want to be “the one taken,”† is not Christian. The great characteristic of our Lord’s life is not self-realisation, but the realisation of God’s purposes. Self-realisation may keep a man full of rectitude, but it is rectitude built on a basis that ultimately spells ruin, because man is not a promise of what he is going to be, but a magnificent ruin of what human nature once was. If we go on the line of conscious self-realisation, there will be an aftermath of bitterness. 2. The Untraceable Troubles of Consecrated Renunciation shall lose it: and he that loseth his life . . .†† In certain stages of spiritual life God is dealing with us on the death side and we get the morbid conception that everything we have, we must give up—“the everlasting ‘No.’” In the Bible the meaning of sacrifice is the deliberate giving of the best I have to God that He may make it His and mine for ever: if I cling to it I lose it, and so does God. We come to our renunciations in the same way that Abraham came to his. God told Abraham to offer up Isaac for a burnt offering, and Abraham interpreted it to mean that he was to kill his son; but on Mount Moriah Abraham lost a wrong tradition about God and got a right insight as to what a burnt offering meant, viz., a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2†). It looks as if we had to give up everything, lose all we have, and instead of Christianity bringing joy and simplicity, it makes us miserable; until suddenly we realise what God’s aim is, viz., that we have to take part in our own moral development, and we do this through the sacrifice of the natural to the spiritual by obedience, not denying the natural, but sacrificing it. Christianity is a personal relationship to Jesus Christ made efficacious by the indwelling Holy Spirit. We take Christianity to be adherence to principles. Conscience is not peculiarly a Christian thing, it is a natural asset, it is the faculty in a man that fits on to the highest he knows. Our convictions and conscientious relationships have continually to be enlarged, and that is where the discipline of spiritual life comes in. A man who is on the grousing line has no brightness or joy, no time for other people, he is taken up with the diseases of his own mind. 3. The Unhindered Triumphs of Christ-Realisation . . . for My sake shall find it.†† The characteristic of Christianity is abandon, not consciously setting myself on my own whiteness; the one thing that matters is, is Jesus Christ getting His way? The Christianity of the New Testament is not individual, it is personal, we are merged into God without losing our identity—“that they may be one, even as We are one.” Individuality is the husk of the personal life, it cannot merge; personality always merges. Am I prepared to lose my soul, lose the miserable self-introspection as to whether I am of any use? I am never of any use so long as I try to be. If I am rightly related to Jesus Christ, He says, Out of you “shall flow rivers of living water.” The people who tell are those who don’t know they are telling, not the priggish people who worship work. Am I prepared to go through death to my right to myself, to have “a white funeral” * and abandon myself to Jesus Christ—“for My sake”†††††††? If I am, I shall find my soul. The Holy Spirit coming into my personal spirit manifests itself in my soul, in the way I reason, consequently all my previous calculations are upset and I begin to see things differently. In the initial stages of discipleship you get “stormy weather,” then you lose the nightmare of your own separate individuality and become part of the Personality of Christ, and the thought of yourself never bothers you any more because you are taken up with your relationship to God. June 24, 1917, Zeitoun,* Sunday Morning Service & Devotional Hut Losing to Find Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:39 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 10:37–42 When I married my English fiancé and moved to the United Kingdom, I thought it would be a five-year adventure in a foreign land. I never dreamed I’d still be living here nearly twenty years later, or that at times I’d feel like I was losing my life as I said goodbye to family and friends, work, and all that was familiar. But in losing my old way of life, I’ve found a better one. The upside-down gift of finding life when we lose it is what Jesus promised to His apostles. When He sent out the twelve disciples to share His good news, He asked them to love Him more than their mothers or fathers, sons or daughters (Matt. 10:37). His words came in a culture where families were the cornerstone of the society and highly valued. But He promised that if they would lose their life for His sake, they would find it (v. 39). When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. Isaac Watts Every loss leaves a space that can be filled with God’s presence. Unexpected Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:39 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 10:35–42 In the midday heat of summer, while traveling in the American South, my wife and I stopped for ice cream. On the wall behind the counter we saw a sign reading, “Absolutely No Snowmobiling.” The humor worked because it was so unexpected. Sometimes saying the unexpected has the most effect. Think of this in regard to a statement by Jesus: “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matt. 10:39). In a kingdom where the King is a servant (Mark 10:45), losing your life becomes the only way to find it. This is a startling message to a world focused on self-promotion and self-protection. In practical terms, how can we “lose our life”? The answer is summed up in the word sacrifice. When we sacrifice, we put into practice Jesus’s way of living. Instead of grasping for our own wants and needs, we esteem the needs and well-being of others. Loving Father, teach me the heart of Christ, that I might more fully appreciate the sacrifice He has made for me and be willing to sacrifice myself for others. Nothing is really lost by a life of sacrifice. Henry Liddon Win By Losing He who loses his life for My sake will find it. — Matthew 10:39 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Have you ever played dominoes? In my boyhood days it was a favorite indoor pastime. Some time ago while visiting a family, I saw a young boy and his grandfather playing the game. A flood of memories surged over me as I remembered my own boyhood days. The unusual thing about dominoes is that you win by losing. To win, you must lose your blocks. Whoever gets rid of all his dominoes first wins the game. You must give to get—lose to gain—be reduced to nothing to get to the top. It is not like baseball or tennis or other games where the highest number of runs, points, or scores determines the winner. No! With dominoes it is the one who can reach nothing first who succeeds. The rule of the natural man is: “Get all you can.” The rule of the spiritual man should be: “Give all you can.” In the spiritual realm, only that which we give away will we keep forever. In the Christian life, we must be reduced to nothing before we become something. Seed kept in the granary will mold and decay, but “thrown away” into the ground it increases 30-, 60-, and 100-fold. “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone” (John 12:24). Lord, shape my life as only You can, Guiding each day by Your loving plan; Take what You need and give what You will, My life is Yours to use and to fill. —Branon Life is like a game of tennis—you can't win without serving well. Matthew 10:40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who: Mt 18:5 Mt 25:40,45 Lu 9:48 Lk 10:16 Joh 13:20 Jn 20:21 2Co 5:20 Ga 4:14 1Th 4:8 he who receives: John 5:23 Jn 12:44-49 Php 2:10,11 1Jn 2:22-23 2Jn 1:9 Related Passages: John 5:22-23+ For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. John 13:20+ “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” Matthew 18:5+ “And whoever receives (dechomai) one such child in My name receives (dechomai) Me; Luke 9:48+ and said to them, “Whoever receives (dechomai) this child in My name receives(dechomai) Me, and whoever receives (dechomai) Me receives (dechomai) Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.” Luke 10:16+ “The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One (THE FATHER) Who sent Me.” 2 John 1:9+ Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. RECEIVING CHRIST'S AMBASSADORS He who receives (dechomai - present tense - continually) you receives (dechomai - present tense - continually) Me, and he who receives (dechomai - present tense - continually) Me receives (dechomai - present tense - continually) Him (THE FATHER) Who sent Me - The big idea of receives (dechomai) is to welcome, to "put out the welcome mat" so to speak. This is a straightforward statement. He is addressing this first of all to those who are His true disciples, genuine believers. The wider application is that if you are a believer and your testimony is received by another person, Jesus says they receive Him. He adds that such a person in turn receives the Father Who sent Him. You cannot separate belief in the Father from belief in the Son. Lord, teach me to receive Thy people into my heart, that thus I may receive Thee; and as to the doctrine which I hold, be pleased to establish me in the apostolic faith. Spurgeon Commentary What blessed union and hallowed communion exist between the King, and his servants! The words before us are especially true of the apostles to whom they were first addressed. Apostolic teaching is Christ’s teaching. To receive the twelve is to receive their Lord Jesus, and to receive the Lord Jesus is to receive God himself. In these days certain teachers despise the epistles which were written by apostles, and they are themselves worthy to be despised for so doing. This is one of the sure tests of soundness in the faith. “He that is of God heareth us”, says John. This bears hard on modern critics who in a hypocritical manner pretend to receive Christ, and then reject his inspired apostles. Lord, teach me to receive thy people into my heart, that thus I may receive thee; and as to the doctrine which I hold, be pleased to establish me in the apostolic faith. Receives (1209) dechomai = middle voice of a primary verb) means to to receive something offered or transmitted by another (Luke 2:28). To take something into one's hand and so to grasp (Luke 2:28, 22:17). To be receptive to someone (Mt 10:14, 40). To take a favorable attitude toward something (Mt 11:14). Jesus used dechomai to describe the way that humble, childlike believers (Mt 18:5), faithful preachers of the gospel (Mt 10:14), and the gospel itself (Luke 8:13; cf. Acts 8:14; 17:11) should be received. Friberg - (1) receive, accept (Acts 3.21); as showing hospitality welcome, entertain (Lk 16.4); (2) as assenting to God's message receive, accept, believe (Mt 11.14); (3) as taking something into one's hand, take, grasp (Eph 6.17); (4) as taking a favorable attitude toward something take well to, approve, accept (Mt 11.14; 1Co 2.14) (Borrow Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament) DECHOMAI - 45V - Matt. 10:14; Matt. 10:40; Matt. 10:41; Matt. 11:14; Matt. 18:5; Mk. 6:11; Mk. 9:37; Mk. 10:15; Lk. 2:28; Lk. 8:13; Lk. 9:5; Lk. 9:48; Lk. 9:53; Lk. 10:8; Lk. 10:10; Lk. 16:4; Lk. 16:6; Lk. 16:7; Lk. 16:9; Lk. 18:17; Lk. 22:17; Jn. 4:45; Acts 3:21; Acts 7:38; Acts 7:59; Acts 8:14; Acts 11:1; Acts 17:11; Acts 22:5; Acts 28:21; 1 Co. 2:14; 2 Co. 6:1; 2 Co. 7:15; 2 Co. 8:17; 2 Co. 11:4; 2 Co. 11:16; Gal. 4:14; Eph. 6:17; Phil. 4:18; Col. 4:10; 1 Thess. 1:6; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Thess. 2:10; Heb. 11:31; Jas. 1:21 Henry Blackaby - The experience : a devotional and journal : day by day with God Receiving Jesus “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.” Matthew 10:40 Why does it matter how Christians behave? Aren’t we being phony when we try to act perfect all the time? Aren’t we trying to fool others into thinking Christians are perfect? There is a good reason for Christians to act with integrity. It’s because of who we represent. There are people who will never know what Christ is like unless they see Christ in you. If you are a Christian, you take Christ with you everywhere you go. When you are at school or at work, Christ is with you. Whether you are out with your friends or speaking to a stranger, Christ is with you. Whenever people meet you, they also meet Christ. How tragic for a non-Christian to see Christ in you and be unimpressed! If you don’t represent Christ to others in a way that honors his name, some people might never know what he is really like. That’s why it’s so important that you always represent Christ as he is. Others will be attracted to Christ when your life shows that he is loving, forgiving, patient, and kind. The only way some people will ever believe God is forgiving is when they experience Christ’s love as you forgive them. There are many people around you who need to receive Jesus, and you’re the one who can introduce them to him. Have people been impressed with the Christ they have seen in you? A Friend of God’s Friends Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Matthew 10:40 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 10:1–11, 40–42 Something so cordial can happen in first introductions when two persons discover that they have a friend in common. In what may be its most memorable form, a big-hearted host welcomes a guest with something like, “So nice to meet you. Any friend of Sam’s, or Samantha’s, is a friend of mine.” Jesus said something similar. He’d been attracting crowds by healing many. But He’d also been making enemies of local religious leaders by disagreeing with the way they were commercializing the temple and misusing their influence. In the middle of a growing conflict, He made a move to multiply the joy, cost, and wonder of His presence. He gave His disciples the ability to heal others and sent them out to announce that the kingdom of God was at hand. He assured the disciples: “Anyone who welcomes you, welcomes me” (Matthew 10:40), and, in turn, welcomes His Father who sent Him as well. What could you do through the Holy Spirit’s leading that might give others a chance to open their hearts to you? How could this point them to the Savior? Father, thank You for giving us a chance to be part of the good news that has its source in You. Matthew 10:41 “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. BGT Matthew 10:41 ὁ δεχόμενος προφήτην εἰς ὄνομα προφήτου μισθὸν προφήτου λήμψεται, καὶ ὁ δεχόμενος δίκαιον εἰς ὄνομα δικαίου μισθὸν δικαίου λήμψεται. KJV Matthew 10:41 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. NET Matthew 10:41 Whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. Whoever receives a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. CSB Matthew 10:41 Anyone who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. And anyone who welcomes a righteous person because he's righteous will receive a righteous person's reward. ESV Matthew 10:41 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. NIV Matthew 10:41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. NLT Matthew 10:41 If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. NRS Matthew 10:41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; YLT Matthew 10:41 he who is receiving a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet's reward, and he who is receiving a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man's reward, GWN Matthew 10:41 The person who welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. The person who welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. NKJ Matthew 10:41 "He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. NAB Matthew 10:41 Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man's reward. MIT Matthew 10:41 The one who takes in a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. Also one who takes in a righteous person because he is righteous will receive a righteous person's reward. NJB Matthew 10:41 'Anyone who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will have a prophet's reward; and anyone who welcomes an upright person because he is upright will have the reward of an upright person. ASV Matthew 10:41 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. DBY Matthew 10:41 He that receives a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man's reward. BBE Matthew 10:41 He who gives honour to a prophet, in the name of a prophet, will be given a prophet's reward; and he who gives honour to an upright man, in the name of an upright man, will be given an upright man's reward. receives a prophet: Ge 20:7 1Ki 17:9-15,20-24 18:3,4 2Ki 4:8-10,16,17,32-37 Ac 16:15 Ro 16:1-4,23 2Ti 1:16-18 Heb 6:10 3Jn 1:5-8 a righteous man: Mt 6:1,4,6,18 16:27 25:34-40 Isa 3:10 Lu 14:13,14 1Co 9:17 2Th 1:6,7 2Jn 1:8 REWARDS FOR RECEPTION Matthew 10:41-42 clearly are positive and are about rewards but their specific interpretation is not completely agreed upon by every writer, thus comments from several sources are included to compare. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. - NLT = "If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet." Prophets will receive a reward and those who receive them will also share in the reward. Some see this as referring to showing hospitality to Jesus' disciples or willingly supporting their ministry. Gilbrant - The mission of the apostles recalls the prophets of old (5:12). They too were called righteous; they likewise represented the divine righteousness (5:10). Those who welcomed them as prophets and as righteous spokesmen for God would share in their ministry and would receive a reward. Like the prophets, disciples would receive great recompense (cf. 5:12, 19; 6:20). Thus Jesus also emphasized how highly God regards those who show His disciples hospitality. (Complete Biblical Library) POSB - The person who welcomes and ministers shall receive a reciprocal or an equal reward with God's servant. Perhaps a person cannot be a prophet or a shining example of a righteous man, but he can receive the reward of both. How? By simply welcoming and supporting and caring for God's servant. This is an astounding truth: the person actually shares in the work of God's messenger when he receives and helps him. Christ puts an enormous value on how his messenger is received and treated. If the messenger is welcomed, Christ will give an equal reward for the kindness and care shown to his messenger. (What a lesson for churches as to how they receive and trust their ministers!) (Borrow The Preacher's outline & sermon Bible : New Testament, King James Version) To maintain the cause and character of good men is to be numbered with them in God’s account. This is all of grace; since the deed is so little and the recompense so large. Spurgeon Commentary Men may receive a prophet as a patriot, or a poet: that is not the point in hand. The prophet must be received in his highest character, “in the name of a prophet ”, and for the sake of his Lord; and then the Lord himself is received, and he will reward the receiver in the same way in which his prophet is rewarded. If we cannot do all the good deeds of a righteous man, we can yet partake in his happiness by having fellowship with him, and by uniting with him in vindicating the faith and comforting his heart. To receive into our homes and our hearts God’s persecuted servants is to share their reward. To maintain the cause and character of good men is to be numbered with them in God’s account. This is all of grace; since the deed is so little and the recompense so large. William