Day 15 - Matthew 10

1. In chapters 7-9, "authority" is mentioned four times. If you can, do a quick search for the word in those chapters to see what Matthew is trying to tell us. In 10:1, it is not Jesus talking about authority given to him, but rather he is giving authority to his disciples to do the things he has been doing. In your life, do you believe you have been given authority too?

2. There is a little sentence at the end of 10:8. Find it and write it down. Why is this such a helpful reminder?

3. In 10:19 Jesus predicts his followers will be arrested, but he says in the same verse not to worry. Why?

4. Have you ever prayed, like 10:20, that the Holy Spirit will speak through you? If yes, how did it go? If no, are you up for asking/trying?

5. There are some tough things mentioned in this chapter, including: "You will be hated by everyone because of me" (v. 22). In 10:25, Jesus basically says, if people call me the devil, won't people say even nastier things about those who follow me? As they heard this, what do you think the disciples were thinking?

6. In 10:26-30, Jesus says "don't be afraid" three times, and "be afraid" once. Explain this.

7. In 10:37-39, Jesus makes it very clear, that our first love should be him. Of course we will love and care and serve other people, but we can only have one master. How can you, daily, work on keeping Jesus your #1 priority in all areas of life? This is a difficult question, but an important one - give it some thought.

Loads of good stuff in the chapters we read this week. Hopefully we all learned something and, better yet, hopefully we all got a little bit closer to God. The things Jesus said are just plain amazing. Words to think about, treasure, and memorize. These words, unlike any other words, have life. Would these words continue to captivate you, stir you, empower you, and comfort you ... as you get closer to the One who said them, the One who loves you.

Next week's reading, Monday to Friday: Matthew 11-15 (one chapter per day).