Matthew, 10
38. And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me.
38. And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me.
Chapter 10 of St. Matthew deals with the choice and sending of the disciples by Jesus to proclaim the message of the Kingdom of God, as well as the instructions and warnings He gives them to His mission. The verses related to the topics addressed in this chapter are:
Mark 3:14-15: "And he chose twelve, that they may be with him and send them to preach, and to have the power to heal the sickness and expel the demons." This verse shows the choice of the twelve disciples by Jesus, who were also sent to preach and perform miracles.
Matthew 10:5-6: "To these twelve sent Jesus, and commanded them, saying, You shall not go along the way of the Gentiles, nor enter the city of Samaritans; but before the lost sheep of the house of Israel." In this verse, Jesus gives specific instructions to his disciples on where they would preach: first to the Jews, before they turned to the Gentiles.
Luke 10:1: "After that, the Lord has already seventy, and sent them from his face, every two, to all cities and places where he would go." In addition to the twelve disciples, Jesus also sent seventy other disciples to proclaim the message of the kingdom.
Matthew 10:16: "Behold, send you like sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore, thirst prudent as the serpents and simple as the doves." In this verse, Jesus warns his disciples about the difficulties and dangers they would face in his mission, and encourages them to be wise and prudent.
Luke 10:16: "He who hears to you, hears me, and who rejects you, rejects me; and who rejects me rejects him who sent me." This verse shows the importance of the message of the disciples, which are sent in the name of Jesus and in obedience to his will. Those who reject them are also rejecting Jesus and the Father who sent Him.
“Temos muita facilidade para pedir, mas não para agradecer”. São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
