Bible study on Matthew 10.24-39

See our Guidelines for a weekly Bible study

Begin with an opening prayer

Awesome God,
today we choose to come and spend time with you,
studying your word together.
There is none like you; you are amazing. 
Help us to follow you,
knowing the risks, not counting the costs,
but trusting that you walk always at our side.
Amen. 

Read the passage

Consider different ways to read the text. For example, hearing it in more than one version of the Bible.

In an online group, you could share parts between those present, or use/adapt this week’s Share the Word suggestion: Use the Jump to this week's menu on the right to go to Share the Word and scroll down to find the Gospel reading.

Explore and respond to the text

Start by reading the Bible notes below. You may want to read them more than once, or pause after each paragraph to reflect on what you have read.

Bible notes

There’s something about the call of Jesus that could leave us feeling fearful. So, three times Jesus says ‘don’t be afraid’ (vv.26, 28 and 31). We should fear God for out of that relationship comes the ability to face whatever the world throws at us. So, he stresses that we should not keep our faith hidden (vv.26-27); better for us to proclaim what we know on our terms than have to defend ourselves against our opponents’ cross examination. People might not want to listen and we might be afraid of the consequences of them hearing, but it’s better to take the initiative and go into the wolf pack. 

Jesus’ reason for our boldness is simple: our opponents can only kill our bodies, they cannot harm our souls if we have put our trust in God. Again, using an illustration from nature (see 6.26-30), Jesus reminds us that birds are two-a-penny and yet God knows all about them. How much more will he care for those who trust him? Finally, in a bold reminder of his authority, Jesus declares that those who remain loyal to him will benefit from his loyalty on the Day of Judgement (v.33). This is not a matter of private faith but public declaration. We cannot be a secret disciple for long: as we live his way, sooner or later we get asked to explain ourselves and how we respond has eternal consequences. 

Jesus sets our experience of opposition in the overall context of his mission. At first sight, what he says is rather strange because the Messiah was expected to usher in God’s reign of peace and justice (Isaiah 9.6-7; 11.6-9). But Jesus’ point is that people have to decide for or against him; no one can be neutral or indifferent. Hence he brings conflict to families, households and nations (a fulfilment of Micah 7.6) 

The radical nature of Jesus’ call means we have to decide between family and God’s kingdom. And it will feel like a sword being thrust into people’s hearts, including ours. True peace only comes through following Jesus, and it is those who choose not to who will often be the cause of division and conflict. Peacemakers often pay a heavy price. Jesus carried a cross and we are called to do the same. Peace comes through the shedding of blood – Christ’s and possibly ours as well. But the note of hope here is that if we lose our life in Christ, we will find it in God. 

See also: Scripture in context: Mission and teaching 

Simon Jones ponders the five discourses in Matthew and shows the links between it and Paul's letter to the Romans.

Reflection

Spend a few moments thinking about what stands out for you from the Bible reading. This idea may help.

Bursting with joy at the good news of Jesus – how do we shout from the rooftops about our faith? How do we engage locally with our communities when we are bursting with the love of Jesus? Assuming that we are – have we become complacent in our faith? Have we settled for a cosy view of Christianity that doesn’t really stir us – are we the people who are shrugging our shoulders? How do we restore that passion?

Questions for reflection

You may wish to use these questions and the picture to help you think about or discuss issues arising from this week’s Bible passage.

Click on the image to view a larger version or use the Jump menu to go to This week's images. For artist's details, see this issue's illustrators.

Questions

• What is about to happen here? 
• What aspects of the Gospel message would you want to ‘shout from the rooftops?’
• Does fear stop us from sharing our faith? What does God have to say about this?

A simple activity

Take up your cross 

Explore the meaning for us of ‘taking up our cross’. 

• Read the following quote from Henri Nouwen: ‘Who can save a child from a burning house without taking the risk of being hurt by the flames? Who can listen to a story of loneliness and despair without taking the risk of experiencing similar pains in his own heart and even losing his precious peace of mind? In short: Who can take away suffering without entering it?’ (from The Wounded Healer).
• Play some gentle reflective music (e.g. ‘Für Alina’ by Avro Pärt – avoid something with words, they may be distracting). Lead a time of meditation by asking the following questions. Leave a reasonable time after each one for people to reflect (up to a minute); ask the final one just as your chosen music ends, so that reflection on that question is in silence.
  
  
• What does sacrificial discipleship look like for you? 
• When have you had to stand up for your faith? 
• What conflicts have you encountered with family and friends about your faith?  
• What risks have you taken concerning your faith? 
• What does taking up your cross daily look like for you? 

• At the end of the reflection, encourage people to share with neighbours, or in small groups, something of what they have been thinking. And end by inviting people to pray for each other and the costs of discipleship, now and during the week ahead. Alternatively, read Psalms 3 and 23 to end. 

Use the Jump to this week's menu on the right to go to more activities in Explore and respond.

Prayer

Adapt to your local context.

A prayer of confession 

In easy times, without fear or conflict, we are happy to stand up as Christians and follow you, our Almighty God. When we face no threats of persecution, we are happy to cast our lot with you, our Almighty God. But, when challenge comes, when disputes erupt, when questions get asked – hard, painful questions – we are not always so willing to stand up and be counted; it is easier to lie low and keep quiet. Forgive us, O God, if, when challenges come, we lower our flag and pull up our drawbridge and withdraw to isolation, leaving you to fight the cause of love, justice and peace with people other than us. Forgive us, eternal God, for such failing and weaknesses. Forgive us and bless us.
Amen. 

Assurance of forgiveness 

I do not feel that I am worthy; I do not feel that I am able; I do not feel that I deserve you, God, and yet I do believe that as I have confessed you have poured out your forgiveness on me. You accept my repentance and keep me to your own.
Amen. 

Use the Jump to this week's menu on the right to find more prayers,
including up-to-date intercessions.

A prayer to end the Bible study

Jesus, you walked to the cross,
and paid the ultimate sacrifice for us, for our freedom;
may we walk with you this week 
as we learn what it is to truly take up our cross and follow you.
May we shout from the rooftops
and burn with your love inside us,
so that others may see you too.
Amen. 

Go with God 24/7

Encourage everyone to put their faith into action.

Commit to praying for those with whom you shared your thoughts about what sacrificial living and discipleship is. Perhaps you could get together again with them at some point in the week?

Encourage everyone to explore their faith this week with the Thrive resource.