Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Matthew 10:34-42), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• In Genesis 3, the Bible describes humanity joining the Serpent (the Tempter, Liar, Accuser—the Devil) in his enmity against God. But God promised to put the enmity back where it belongs, between his people and the Serpent (3:15). This means reconciling sinners to himself, which he has done through Jesus. It also means creating conflict between his redeemed people and all those who remain on the Serpent’s side against God. The enemies of Christ become our enemies… What’s your response to the Bible telling you that you were God’s enemy, and that there was nothing you could do to change that, apart from his gracious reconciliation in Christ? What’s your response to the Bible telling you that all people who remain apart from Christ are God’s enemies, and therefore the enemies of God’s people? How should God’s people act toward these enemies? Does it feel like “Good News” or a “gracious privilege,” to find that Christ’s enemies are now also your enemies? Why or why not?

• Jesus commands our love and loyalty. He says we cannot love even our family members more than we love him. In fact, as our Lord, he is the one who tells us whom to love and how to love them. Our love depends entirely on his word and will. Do you feel a tension between your love for your family and your love for Jesus? Do you feel tempted to fear certain family members more than you fear Jesus? To find your ultimate comfort, security, refuge, or purpose in them rather than in Jesus? To obsess about how they think of you rather than resting in God’s love for you? To seek to get along with them at all costs, even if it means ignoring Jesus? Why is it good to entrust yourself entirely to Jesus and give him your ultimate allegiance? Have you been confused, frightened, or hurt by family members because their enmity with Christ manifested against you? What do you do when this happens? Why is conflict with unbelieving family members like taking up a cross? How is taking up a cross different from taking up arms against one’s enemies? Why is taking up such a cross the place where we find eternal life?

• [40] “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.” Jesus is saying there is a parallel between his representation of God to us and our representation of him to others. Others relate to Jesus through his disciples just as his disciples relate to God through him. As we receive the reward of Christ the Righteous when we accept him as the Righteous One, so also others receive the reward he has shared with us as they accept us as his disciples. This is the privilege of participating in the life and ministry of Jesus in this world. Have you welcomed, shown hospitality to, and supported people because they belong to Jesus? Have others received you well because you belong to Jesus? Why do relationships work this way in the Kingdom of God?