In many cases, the expectations are not realistic. Sometimes we expect things to be much better than they could possibly be. On the other hand, sometimes our expectations are far too low.
If you have been taking my suggestions the last few weeks, you began the season of Pentecost with a series of sermons on the topic of discipleship. Based on the Gospel readings from Matthew 9 and 10, are exploring discipleship for its individual and corporate dimensions. This week the focus shifts from who Jesus calls, to what they should expect as His disciples. Here again is my suggestion:
- June 11 – The Call to Discipleship (Matthew 9:9-13)
- June 18 – A Community of Disciples (Matthew 9:35-10:8)
- June 25 – What Disciples Expect (Matthew 10:5a, 21-33)
- July 2 – Discipleship for Losers (Matthew 10:34-42)
What Disciples Expect
Any new endeavor is loaded with a host of expectations. Your high school graduate prepares to leave for college with a mash-up of hope, excitement, and trepidation. You change jobs mid-career because you are eager to experience the reported positive company culture in the new business. You begin a series on Netflix after hearing rave reviews from everyone you know. Such times are shaped significantly by definite (if not fully examined) expectations.
In many cases, the expectations are not realistic. Sometimes we expect things to be much better than they could possibly be. This inevitably leads to disappointment. On the other hand, sometimes our expectations are far too low, and we are surprised in a good way.
Suffering
In our text this week, Jesus prepares His disciples by spelling out what they should expect as they follow Him. Their expectations were probably high. Jesus’ miraculous works in chapter eight and nine were incredible and inspiring. The reign of God was coming to earth, promising a glorious and peaceful future for all. But such expectations were premature. Like a record screeching to a halt, Jesus’ words throw cold water on the celebration. “Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for My name’s sake” (10:21-22). It is hardly the kind of Bible verse you put on the invitation to your new member class.
We (the readers of Matthew’s Gospel) should not be surprised. We know how the story goes. Jesus comes to call God’s people back to Himself, to bring healing and hope, and to reveal God in truth. And what happens? They kill Him for it. It follows, then, that those who follow Jesus will also suffer. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (10:24). Jesus did not tell them to go looking for trouble, and neither does He tell us. But when any disciples follow the crucified Lord, they should expect to follow Him all the way to the cross.
But when any disciples follow the crucified Lord, they should expect to follow Him all the way to the cross.
Salvation
But that is not all they should expect. They should also expect to be saved. “The one who endures to the end will be saved” (10:22). That is a promise, and it should be the heart of your sermon too. Like Jesus, who endured to the point of death (Hebrews 12:1-3), we endure suffering as we follow Him faithfully. This endurance leads through death into resurrection, where Jesus has promised to acknowledge before the Father all who acknowledge and follow Him
We are familiar with the concept of endurance. If you are not personally a runner, ask someone in your congregation who is. Invite them to share how they prepare for a long run. Among other things, they will probably tell you it has something to do with the finish line. Knowledge the suffering will come to an end goes a long way toward helping someone endure. The appointed Psalm for this week (Psalm 91) points in this direction, too.
Service Without Fear
The expectation of resurrection and salvation for those who endure enables disciples to follow Jesus without fear (10:26). Jesus was sending His disciples to serve others. He sends us to do the same. We need not fear attacks or abuse, even if they may come. We need not fear shame or rejection, even if they lie in our path. Courage in service comes from the certainty that Jesus values His disciples more than sparrows (10:31), which is another promise you have the privilege of proclaiming in this sermon.
Jesus’ description of discipleship in this text will probably be confrontational to people who expect life in Christ to be a “walk in the park,” but your job is not to sugarcoat the life of discipleship. Instead, call them to follow Jesus in courageous service even when it leads to suffering and rejection. Then proclaim the promise of salvation which removes all fear.
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Additional Resources:
Craft of Preaching-Check out our previous articles on Matthew 10:5a, 21-33.
Concordia Theology-Various helps from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO to assist you in preaching Matthew 10:5a, 21-33.
Text Week-A treasury of resources from various traditions to help you preach Matthew 10:5a, 21-33.
Lectionary Podcast-Dr. Ryan Tietz of Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN walks us through Matthew 10:5a, 21-33.
