June 10, 2025; Matthew 10

Daily Dose of Hope

June 10, 2025

 

Scripture - Matthew 10

 

Prayer:  Holy God, We come before you today with humility and awe.  You are the Alpha and the Omega.  You created all things, are above all things, and yet you care for each of us.  You know us and love us.  Thank you, Jesus.  I pray that as we get ready for our devotional today that you help us set aside our distractions.  Help us gather our scattered thoughts and focus on you and you alone...  In Your Name, Amen.

 

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are reading and discussing Matthew 10.

 

Here we are–back to the sheep! Jesus sends out the disciples to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is near. But the danger is real. Jesus warns them that they would be sheep among wolves. Remember, sheep are vulnerable. While Jesus is saying they are like sheep, he is also telling them to be shrewd and cunning, like a snake. Yes, sheep are vulnerable but they don’t need to be stupid. When faced with difficult circumstances, Jesus-followers need to use their brains and really think about what they say and do.

 

Yet, while shrewdness is important, so is innocence. Be as innocent as a dove, Jesus says. This means to stay faithful and gentle as well. Remember who you are, who you represent, and that you can be faithful to Jesus and grace-filled AND also not be a doormat.

 

Jesus is clear. There will be consequences to following him. The world around us won’t be happy about it. Thankfully, we aren’t flogged or jailed for our belief in the United States. But let’s remember that Christians in other countries certainly experience this on a regular basis. I know that the Holy Spirit guides their words and gives them strength that we can’t even imagine.

 

That being said, we will experience difficulty if we are open and bold in our faith. When we speak out for our faith, we often will see opposition. In those cases, allow the Holy Spirit to speak through you. Trust God. Set aside your own fears and anger and allow the God of the universe to allow his words to flow through you.

 

Some of the language toward the end of the chapter is really difficult.  Jesus says he didn’t come to earth to bring peace but a sword.  Wait, I thought he was the Prince of Peace?  And he goes on to say that whoever loves his parents, siblings, or friends more than him doesn’t know him at all.  As believers, we are to pick up our cross and follow him, totally and completely.  What are we to make of all of this?

 

Jesus certainly is the only source of peace between God and human beings.  And in most places in the Gospels, Jesus promotes peace between people.  But it’s inevitable that conflict will arise between those who be