Jesus looks upon the world with deep compassion, seeing people as sheep without a shepherd. His heart is moved by the spiritual need and hunger that surrounds us. This divine compassion is the very motivation behind the call to make disciples. It is not a call born of duty, but of a loving desire for everyone to come to know Him. There is nothing we can do to cause God to lose this compassion for us. [32:22]
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36 ESV)
Reflection: As you look at the people in your life and community, who do you see as "harassed and helpless," and how might Jesus' compassion for them shape your interactions with them this week?
Engaging in disciple-making will inevitably bring challenges and opposition. Followers of Christ are sent out as sheep among wolves, requiring both shrewdness and innocence. This opposition may even come from within one's own family or close relationships. Yet, we are called to move forward with courage, not allowing the fear of rejection to silence our witness. We are to respond to opposition with love and kindness, not retaliation. [40:05]
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16 ESV)
Reflection: When you consider sharing your faith, what form of opposition do you fear the most, and how can you practically rely on God's strength to be both wise and gentle in that situation?
We do not go out in our own strength, but under the assured covering of God's sovereign care. He promises that all that is hidden will be revealed and ultimate justice will prevail. We are of immense value to Him; His knowledge of us is intimate and complete, down to the smallest detail. This profound awareness of His care is the foundation for overcoming fear and boldly proclaiming the truth. [46:15]
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31 ESV)
Reflection: What specific concern about your adequacy or safety in sharing your faith can you entrust to God today, knowing He knows you completely and values you deeply?
Following Christ involves a public, unwavering commitment to acknowledge Him before others. This is not a private faith but one that is openly shared as opportunities arise. Such a commitment requires counting the cost, as it may lead to sacrifice and misunderstanding. True discipleship means loving Jesus more than anything else, even our own lives or closest relationships, and being willing to bear whatever cross He assigns. [50:46]
“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32-33 ESV)
Reflection: In what specific relationship or environment do you find it most difficult to acknowledge your faith in Christ, and what would it look like to take a small step of faithfulness there this week?
The path of discipleship leads to the profound paradox that to find our true life, we must be willing to give it up for Christ. Clinging to a life of comfort and safety ultimately leads to loss, while surrendering our lives to God's mission leads to gaining what is eternal. This readiness to be used by God transforms our daily perspective, making us attentive to the divine appointments He sets before us. [56:14]
"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:39 ESV)
Reflection: What is one thing you are "clinging to" for security or comfort that God might be inviting you to release in order to more fully participate in His work around you?
Jesus’ compassion defines the mission field: the lost appear as sheep without a shepherd, and the harvest proves plentiful. The calling of the twelve clarified an ongoing task—teach the gospel, meet needs, heal, and raise the dead—while the commission framed how to go: in delegated authority, trusting God to provide, seeking those whose hearts God already prepares. Statistical and cultural notes underline a ripe field locally and among younger generations; rising Bible engagement and large youth gatherings point to openness that needs faithful witnesses.
Courage and wisdom form the posture for witness. Disciples go out “as sheep among wolves,” called to be shrewd like snakes yet harmless like doves, avoiding needless theological brawls while standing firm in truth. Opposition can come even from family; persecution tests commitment but does not overturn God’s justice. Assurance comes with the promise that secret things will be revealed and that human threats cannot touch the soul; God notices the smallest details—even the fall of a sparrow—and holds ultimate authority.
God supplies covering and presses for public allegiance. The call to acknowledge Christ openly carries eternal consequence: public confession and denial bear weight before God. Taking up the cross demands counting the cost, surrendering lesser securities to gain unsurpassed life. The paradox remains—clinging to comfort loses life, while sacrificial obedience discovers true life. Illustrations of bold witness and costly obedience, including modern testimonies and the story of Jim Elliott, dramatize wholehearted surrender: giving what cannot be kept to gain what cannot be lost.
The summons ends with a clear charge to readiness: look for whom God places across daily paths, seize open doors, and let God’s love overflow into broken lives. Practical examples show that simple questions, small gifts, and steady presence unlock openings for the gospel. The mission rests on God’s compassion, provision, and justice; believers must go with courage, humility, and a willingness to pay the price required to bring others into God’s kingdom.
There's a paradox also that is talked about here in this last phrase. If you cling to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
[00:55:33]
(16 seconds)
#LoseToFindLife
And I love this phrase in here. It says, don't worry about those who can only kill your body. Don't worry about those who have no power over you other than the flesh. Worry about the one in heaven who can judge you for not going and and and spreading the gospel. We ought to be more concerned about not going than we are about going and being persecuted, and that's what the word tells us here.
[00:44:53]
(38 seconds)
#FearGodNotMen
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