MONDAY- 15^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Matthew 10:34-11:1: It is not peace I have come to bring, but a sword.

I Reading: Exodus 1:8-14.22 : We must take steps against Israel increasing any further.

The Cost of Being the Lord’s Disciple, Mt 10:34-42

In this passage Jesus is exact and uncompromising. He lays some heavy demands upon his disciples. He states clearly what it will cost a person to be his disciple, and he describes the cost by using four illustrations.

1.     Jesus’ purpose (v.34)

a.     Not to bring peace

b.    To bring a sword

2.     Illustration 1: a person’s family (v.35-37)

a.     The fact: Christ sets the believer against his family

b.    The demand: must love Christ supremely

c.      The reward: counted worthy vs. unworthy

3.     Illustration 2: the cross (v.38)

a.     Demand: die-follow

b.    Reward: counted worthy vs. unworthy

4.     Illustration 3: a person’s life (v.39)

a.     Demand: give up life

b.    Reward: lose life vs. find life

5.     Illustration 4: welcoming and ministering to others (v.40-42)

a.     Demand: welcome a believer and minister to him

b.    Reward: an equal reward

1)    The presence of Christ and of God (v.40)

2)    The equal reward

3)    Strongly asserted: the smallest ministry will not lose its reward

Thought: The world is full of hurt, pain and suffering-not peace. The truth cannot be denied. However, we can be of good cheer, for Christ has overcome the world.

His word, sharper than any two-edged sword, pierces the soul and spirit of a person, discerning the thoughts and intents of his heart. It convicts the person to become a follower of God and His righteousness (Heb 4:12).

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