MONDAY- 15^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –C

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. 1.Jesus’ purpose (v.34)

1. a.Not to bring peace
2. b.To bring a sword

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

1. c.The fact: Christ sets the believer against his family
2. d.The demand: must love Christ supremely
3. e.The reward: counted worthy vs. unworthy

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

1. f.Demand: die-follow
2. g.Reward: counted worthy vs. unworthy

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

1. h.Demand: give up life
2. i.Reward: lose life vs. find life

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

1. j.Demand: welcome a believer and minister to him
2. k.Reward: an equal reward

1. 1.The presence of Christ and of God (v.40)
2. 2.The equal reward
3. 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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