A way to live a mission in your church and its outreach:
Congregations willing to lose will find life.
Based on Matthew 10:24-39
A way to live a mission in your church and its outreach based on Matthew 10:24-39, a reading from the Revised Common Lectionary for the Third Sunday after Pentecost, 6/25/17.
[Matthew puts together Jesus’ instructions for how the disciples are to do their work and to live.] Jesus warns his disciples to expect the same persecution he faces. They will not be above Jesus and exempt from persecution. The pupil tries to be like the teacher; he faces opposition as Jesus has faced it. The disciples are not to fear. They will be known to God for what they have done because God even knows about sparrows when they fall. Further, Jesus brings conflict, even within families. They will do the same. They must be ready to die to be worthy of the real peace that Jesus brings. They must be willing to be separated from their families and even face death. If they give their lives to live by Jesus’ teaching, they will find real life.
A theme: Following Jesus can cost; it can even cost one’s life. If it does, take heart. Just as Jesus paid the full price and was vindicated in the resurrection, so will Jesus’ followers be vindicated in the next life if not here.
