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Matthew 10
New International Version
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
“‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’
37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
I am swept up in the intensity of Jesus’s words, feeling a weight settle on my heart. The call to love Him above all else echoes in my mind, a challenge to prioritize my devotion to Him above even the closest relationships in my life.
The notion of taking up my cross and following Him strikes a chord within me, reminding me of the sacrifices and hardships that may come with following Christ. It’s a daunting thought, yet there is a sense of purpose that stirs within me, a deep-rooted conviction that this is the path I am meant to walk.
The promise of finding life by losing it for His sake feels paradoxical yet profoundly true. In letting go of my own desires and ambitions, I am met with a sense of freedom and fulfillment that transcends any earthly pleasure.
Jesus’s words about being welcomed and rewarded for spreading His message resonate deeply with me. There is a sense of unity and interconnectedness in His teachings, a reminder that our actions towards others reflect our love and devotion to Him.
The image of offering a simple gesture like a cup of cold water to a disciple and being rewarded for it speaks volumes about the importance of even the smallest acts of kindness in His eyes. It’s a humbling reminder that every action done in love and service to others is seen and cherished by Him.
As I reflect on these teachings, a newfound resolve takes root in my soul. I am filled with a sense of purpose and determination to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, to prioritize my love for Him above all else.
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