Saturday's Scripture Story
The Cost of Peace
(and of Following Jesus)
In this week's story, Jesus sends the disciples out on their first missionary journey. After empowering them with His authority to drive out evil spirits and heal every disease and sickness, He warns them that they will not be received well everywhere. He flat-out tells them that they will be hated because of Him.
Near the end of His instructions, He reminds them to not be afraid, saying "he who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me."
Remember you are already living in God, under the grace of God, under the power of God, and under the authority of God. No matter where you go and who you experience nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ – not even danger or persecution. Celebrate that you are God’s child and nothing can change that.
Matthew 10:1-18
1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
9 “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— 10 no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.
Prayer Prompt
Ask God to share insights with you about your own missionary life and among whom He's calling you to live out your life as His disciple. Are you aware that as His disciples, you live – and work – under His authority also? Ponder this with God.