Matthew__10

Scripture

Matthew 10:39 NIV

Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.”

Observation-What does it say?

Jesus sends out His 12 disciples in the same authority that He has to heal and cast out impure spirits. The above verse was part of the instructions given to His disciples before He sent them out. He was encouraging them and making them aware of the opposition they would face as His disciples. At the same time, He was encouraging them to take up their cross daily, for when they lose their life for His sake and His mission, that is when they will find it. 

Understanding-What does it mean?

The gains of being a Christ follower are greater than the losses.

This verse can be taken 2 ways-it relates to the present and to the future. It relates to the present in the sense that our lives as Christ followers are not for our own selfish gain or to pursue our own sinful desires. It is the opposite. While others in the world are seeking to "find themselves,” we seek to "lose ourselves" as a servant of Jesus Christ. That's when our true purpose is realized.

This verse also relates to the future- eternity. When we die, we are not lost in a hellish existence. Instead, we find our life, for our true dwelling place to come in eternity with Christ is where our hope lies.

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 NIV

Life Application

Do our lives seek to serve Jesus and others? Or are we living for ourselves?

The interesting thing about wanting to serve ourselves is that it never satisfies. We will always want more money, a better title/job, a bigger house and car, a better spouse/relationship, a better body/health, more praise, a better life, more freedom, more justice, etc., and it's a downward spiral that is a result of discontentment because of a thirst that can't be quenched. Then comes the high counseling bills or sometimes destructive means of masking that pain through drug/alcohol use, inappropriate relationships, workaholism, etc.

Our spirit man longs to serve and love Someone greater than ourselves and the END of the search will always be Jesus. Just like Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:14, "but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst..", the best way for us to find "your best life now,” is to lose it for the sake of Christ.

Dear Jesus, Your Word says that You've given us authority in this world. However, it also says we will face many sorrows in this life as we take up our Cross daily for You, face opposition, as well as give up what we want to serve You and others. Please remind us to find refuge in You and be content in You alone. Please help us to live a life of authority in godliness with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6) and remember to be content because You promise that You will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Please remind me of my purpose when I fall into the trap of being envious of the world's gains and question the sacrifice of a Christ follower. May Your Holy Spirit remind me of Proverbs 23:17-18, "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi