As seen in Romans 6, when believers in Christ are reckoned by faith to be dead, buried, and resurrected with Christ, they cease to be the servants of sin and become the servants of righteousness. The believer died to sin and was raised to new life by faith. The recipient of grace through Jesus’ life-giving love and his death has died to sin and can no longer live in it. The believer in Christ is united with Christ in his resurrection so that he might live to God.
Jesus Christ’s act of obedience by going to the cross and his resurrection was an act of salvation for people and the world. His purpose was to provide a new life for all who would believe in him and follow his act of obedience to the glory of God. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and was resurrected on our behalf, he provided a faith-
focus life for the believer. When we are living, loving, doing, and serving for the Lord and others, may we look upon the cross of Christ in our lives.
Following Christ and picking up our cross lead to death and resurrection, and we are united with Christ in baptism and faith and Christian life. The road to the cross would be hard, but that will be the one that leads to the discovery of true life and abundant life.
As in verse 5, our old self was crucified with him, and we are no longer slaves to sin. Believers have been crucified with Christ so that we might enjoy the freedom from sin while living. Sin is a one-way journey to death. The only way to be freed from it is Jesus Christ our Lord because He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the dominion of righteousness. May we follow Jesus until the very end
together.
In Matthew 10, His notice of poor treatment or the persecution affirmed the difficulty of being Jesus’ follower. Jesus suffered persecution during his time on earth. Difficulty sometimes comes from those closer to us or worldly values because of our loyalty to the king, Jesus. However, Jesus shifted over to words of comfort and encouragement and talked about rewards for his followers.
Jesus intended us to understand that we will be treated as poorly as he has been treated. Most modern Christians have freedom of religion, but persecution of Christians throughout the world still exists. Jesus is inviting us to share his throne and his reign. Jesus’ disciples recall Jesus’ words to rejoice in suffering, because of their great reward in heaven.
Jesus said, “do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made known.” He encouraged the Twelve not to fear injustice from the persecutors. At last, any concealed truth will be revealed. The truth will vindicate us. Jesus invited his disciples to be instrumental in making the truth known.
Another fear related to persecution is the fear of bodily harm and death. But Jesus helped his disciples to shift their focus from the body to the condition of our spiritual life. In accordance with Jesus’ words, true believers fear God who has authority to judge people rather than those who can physically harm. This healthy fear of God will cause a person to live by obedience, respecting God’s authority and power.
A disciple of Jesus is one who first listens to Jesus’ words and then responses. Jesus invites us to have faith that is able to overcome fear even during tough times. Jesus is the strong mediator, and God is the one who is judging and caring. (vv. 28-30)
In verse 29 to 31, Jesus told the disciples, “Not one of sparrows will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” The numbering of one’s hairs by the Father emphasizes how much the Father values and cares for His child. May we live by the light of faith even in the darkness and challenge the evil
powers of this world with the certainty of believers.
Believers who know that everything is in the hands of a loving God will understand that there is nothing to fear in this life. Equipped with Jesus’ words and love, believers are empowered to approach the cross in a new way. The cross does not mean a passive acceptance of the injustice of this creation. It is a sign of the reign of God that is to come, a strength that can be known by those who are obedient to the call of Jesus Christ in their lives.
In today’s text, Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus added comforting grace and assured that God values his people greatly and will always protect them. Harm to our hearts and reputation will be set right when the truth comes to light. We have nothing to fear because our Father places high value on us and protects us.
Jesus’ disciples should have no hesitation in confessing Jesus before others. The person who can adopt the fearless perspective Jesus teaches and who confesses Jesus before people will find an advocate in heaven before the Father. But the person who gives into faithless fear and denies Jesus before people will find a just denial before the Father in heaven.
The providence of God can be known through the life of Christian discipleship. Telling others about Christ and associating with Jesus are our true joy. This joyful response is found in a discipleship that calls us to learn and grow in faith.
Jesus invites us to associate with him. Are we Jesus’ loyal followers? No matter what other people think, say, or do to us, may we live, love, and serve as Jesus’ disciples. Even if the world is still dark and in chaos, we will find in Christ even more faithful friends, brothers, and sisters. May we speak up for Christ without fear and receive heavenly reward. God will guard us. The way of God will prevail against every hurt and
every challenge, and the love of Christ will heal and restore us even in our unexpected sufferings. In the way of God and the love of Christ, may we respond beautifully to God individually and collectively.
We have been given authority and mission from Jesus in this world. We represent him and we have been commissioned to carry on his ministry. His authority and provision will give us all we need for missional work and services. May we trust him more than our preparations and share our abilities and talents given by God for flowers and fruits in ministry.
May we look for opportunities to help other believers and disciples of Jesus in the world. God’s reward will be added and shared among us. We will share in their reward, and anyone who helps us will share in ours. May we publicly confess Jesus on earth. Jesus will be our advocate before God in heaven.
When we follow the way of the cross of the Lord, there may be times when we suffer as the Lord suffered, but Jesus tells us, “Do not be afraid.” May we keep trying, keep working, keep talking about what God has done for us and how Jesus has loved us.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)