Matthew 10:24-42 – The Kingdom Opposed
Pastor Tommy Bailey
The Twelve Apostles
- Simon Peter
- Andrew
- James
- John
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- Thomas
- Matthew the tax collector
- James the son of Alphaeus
- Thaddaeus
- Simon the Zealot
- Judas Iscariot
Matthew 10
- Commissions the Twelve Apostles (v. 1-4)
- Clarifies their mission (v. 5-15)
- Cautions them about opposition (v. 16-24)
- Comforts their fears (v. 26-33)
- Contrasts two responses (v. 34-42)
“The fear of God is the fear that cancels fear.” – Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary
The King, His kingdom and His people will face opposition:
- The call of Jesus moves us to mission in our square inch of His world.
- The care of the Father sets us free from fear of anything opposed to the Kingdom of God.
“How are Christians to react when faced with the opposition of the world? They are certainly not to retaliate. Nor are they to lick their wounds in self-pity. Nor are they to withdraw into a safe place where they are sheltered from the enmity of the world. No, they are bravely to bear witness to Jesus Christ before the world in the power of the Holy Spirit.” – John Stott, The Preacher’s Portrait: Five New Testament Word Studies
“But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand…” – Psalm 31:14-15 (ESV)
“Adoption is the highest privilege of the gospel. The traitor is forgiven, brought in for supper, and given the family name. To be right with God the Judge is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for by God the Father is greater.” – J.I. Packer
“I am no longer my own, but Yours. Put me to what You will, place me with whom You will. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be put to work for You or set aside for You, Praised for You or criticized for You. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and fully surrender all things To Your glory and service. And now, O wonderful and holy God, Creator, redeemer, and sustainer, You are mine, and I am Yours… Amen.” – John Wesley