When Obedience Costs — But Eternity Pays
Matthew 10
Introduction: The Moment of Commission
In Matthew 10, Jesus does something remarkable. Up until now, the disciples have been watching. Listening. Learning.
But in this chapter, everything changes.
Jesus sends them.
Not when they feel ready.
Not when they feel strong.
Not when the world feels safe.
He sends them in the middle of uncertainty.
And what He says to them is just as relevant today as it was then.
1. Called and Given Authority (Matthew 10:1–8)
The chapter begins with Jesus calling the twelve disciples and giving them authority — authority over unclean spirits and to heal every disease.
Notice something important:
He calls them before He sends them.
He empowers them before He commands them.
The authority didn’t come from their skill.
It didn’t come from their experience.
It came from Him.
The same is true for us.
We often feel inadequate. Unqualified. Not spiritual enough.
But the mission of God is never powered by human strength — it is powered by divine authority.
Jesus says in verse 8:
“Freely you have received; freely give.”
The gospel is not something we earn.
It is something we receive — and then release.
2. Travel Light — Radical Dependence (Matthew 10:9–15)
Jesus then tells them something that sounds shocking:
Take no gold.
No bag.
No extra tunic.
Why?
Because He wanted them to learn dependence.
He was teaching them this truth:
When God sends you, God sustains you.
Security is not found in resources.
Security is found in obedience.
This wasn’t about recklessness.
It was about reliance.
Sometimes we wait to obey until everything is lined up.
But Jesus teaches that provision often meets us on the path of obedience.
3. Expect Resistance (Matthew 10:16–25)
Here’s where the tone shifts.
Jesus says:
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.”
That is not comforting.
He does not promise popularity.
He does not promise applause.
He promises opposition.
They will be arrested.
They will be misunderstood.
They will be betrayed.
But then He says something powerful:
“Do not worry about what to say… the Spirit of your Father will speak through you.”
Courage does not mean the absence of fear.
It means trust in the presence of God.
When we stand for truth, when we live differently, when we carry Christ into dark spaces — resistance should not surprise us.
Faithfulness is not measured by comfort.
It is measured by obedience.
4. Do Not Fear (Matthew 10:26–31)
Three times in this section, Jesus says:
“Do not be afraid.”
Why?
Because fear is the greatest enemy of calling.
He reminds them:
- Nothing hidden will remain hidden.
- The One who truly holds power is God.
- Not even a sparrow falls without the Father knowing.
And then this beautiful line:
“You are worth more than many sparrows.”
The same God who sees the smallest bird sees you.
Courage grows when we remember who holds our lives.
Fear shrinks when we understand God’s sovereignty.
5. The Cost of Discipleship (Matthew 10:34–39)
Then Jesus says one of the hardest statements in Scripture:
“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
Following Christ is not casual.
It may cost relationships.
It may cost reputation.
It may cost comfort.
But here is the paradox:
“Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
The world says: Protect yourself.
Jesus says: Surrender yourself.
The world says: Preserve your life.
Jesus says: Give it away.
And in that surrender — true life begins.
6. Eternal Perspective (Matthew 10:40–42)
The chapter closes with hope.
Even a cup of cold water given in His name will not go unnoticed.
Nothing done for Christ is wasted.
No act of obedience is forgotten.
He is reminding them:
This mission is bigger than the moment.
Conclusion: What Matthew 10 Means for Us
Matthew 10 teaches us five powerful truths:
- You are called before you are sent.
- You are empowered before you are opposed.
- Dependence is greater than resources.
- Courage is stronger than fear.
- Eternal reward outweighs temporary cost.
The disciples walked into uncertainty — but they walked with authority.
And so do we.
The same Jesus who sent them sends us.
Not because we are ready.
But because He is faithful.
So the question is not:
“Am I capable?”
The question is:
“Will I trust Him enough to go?”
Amen.
If you would like to research the Sabbath and see the real story about Constantine’s attorning the actual Sabbath Day, then please do so by reading our informative books! No where in the Bible does Jesus say, “It is okay to ignore the Ten Commandments.” Think about it, when a king orders the Sabbath to be split just for Constantine’s desired objective, then the Pope Mark really splits it by opening “Sunday”, as the New Sabbath! Jesus always was and still is, “The Lord of the Sabbath”, Saturday!
It is super pleasant when you take the Sabbath off and rest! Jesus, “Is it not good to do GOOD on the Sabbath?”.