Lent: A Journey to Hope in Uncertain Timesಮಾದರಿ

In school, when studying literature, teachers ask you to identify the themes found in the writing. The themes in the biography of Matthew are fairly easy to spot as it’s laid out thematically rather than chronologically. In chapter 10, Matthew unpacks the theme of discipleship for followers of Jesus. In this chapter, Jesus explains how the disciples are to act as they share the good news of the kingdom of God, the reaction they’ll likely receive, and how they respond to those they seek to minister to. As Jesus sends out His followers, He calls them to surrender and be generous. He challenges them with an honest assessment of how others may respond. And despite the potential rejection of their message, they’re to give as freely as they had received.

This is not the natural inclination of most of us! For some of us, we struggle with receiving. We struggle to freely receive what Jesus offers without guilt or shame. Some of us are challenged by giving. We struggle to live open-handed, to give what we have freely received. Where is God calling you this season to actively engage in freely receiving or giving?

REFLECT

• What is the significance of the disciples being instructed to give as freely as they had received?

RESPOND

• What does receiving freely look like for you? What does giving freely look like for you in this season of life?