Not Peace, But a Sword

Matthew 10:34-42

Key Verse 39

“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

V.34-39

1. Read verses 34. Why do people assume that Jesus is coming to bring peace to every house and every person?

2. What does it mean that Jesus has come to bring a sword? (v 35-37)

   1. What causes the worldly members of a house to turn against its own members for being Christian? (Matt. 10:27 )

   2. What causes the Christian members of a house to turn ‘against’ its own worldly members? (v 37-39)

3. Read verse 37. What does it mean to love your family (Father, mother, son, or daughter) more than Jesus? (Matt. 8:21-22 )

   1. What does it mean to love Jesus more than your family? (Matt. 4:21-22 )

4. Read verse 38. What does it mean to take your cross and follow Jesus?

5. Read verse 39. What does it mean to lose your life for Jesus and find it?

6. How can we be ‘worthy’ of Jesus according to verse 37-39? (Gen 12:1-3 )

V.40-42

1. How do verses 40-42 contrast with verses 37-39?

2. What cause and effect relationship is Jesus revealing in verse 40? (John 1:12 )

   1. Who do we receive if we receive Jesus?

   2. Who do others receive when they receive us?