Says Who?! (Matthew 10:24-42)
June 15, 2025
Jordan Byrd
This past week, my kids were watching the PBS show Arthur—the one about the adventurous aardvark and his friends. In this episode, Arthur, his sister D.W., and their friend Buster were at the beach. They couldn’t swim because of a strong current, so they passed the time by building a sandcastle—which grew more and more epic the longer they built. Eventually, it was time to go. But later, Arthur ran back out to the beach, trying to defend their creation from the rising tide and pounding waves. But no matter what Arthur tried, the ocean always won. The sandcastle may have been big and beautiful, but it didn’t stand a chance—because it wasn’t built on a firm foundation. Today, the good news I hope you’ll hear from Matthew 10:24–42 is this: Jesus lays the foundation for fearless faithfulness to stand firm in the truth of God. And He invites you to stand firm on the foundation of His example of fearless faith. Jesus lays the foundation for fearless faithfulness to God. Will you stand firm on the foundation of Jesus’ fearless faith?
In our current cultural moment, image management has become foundationally important. Just the tiniest bit of criticism or slander can feel like it crumbles our lives. To counter that fear, we’re tempted to be fearlessly faithful to managing our image—curating how we’re seen, as if perception is what holds us up.
Acceptance has also become foundationally important. The fear of being seen as odd or unwanted can paralyze us—can crumble our sense of belonging. To avoid that, we’re tempted to be fearlessly faithful to staying out of risky relationships—keeping to ourselves. Or—on the flip side—we fear being seen as unaccepting, especially if we don’t affirm certain lifestyle choices that don’t align with the truth we believe. And so, we’re tempted to be fearlessly faithful to accepting everything—so we’re not labeled intolerant or hateful.
Then there’s family—and this one might sound strange to include. Because family is a good gift. But even good things can become ultimate things. Family can become so foundational that we pour time and energy into our own biological circles at the expense of investing in others—our neighbors, the church, the outsider. When we invest only in family, we allow ourselves to be fearlessly faithful to what feels familiar and safe—what’s known, comfortable, and traditional—even if it allows other meaningful relationships to crumble.
And then there’s comfort, security, and peace. These have become foundational to many. Any hint of discomfort, insecurity, or conflict can feel like life is crumbling. So we retreat. We’re tempted to be fearlessly faithful to the path of ease, safety, and least resistance—so much so that we avoid challenge, stay in our bubbles, and steer clear of anything that might cost us something.
And here’s what happens: When we give in to these temptations, we start fearing our image, our acceptance, our families, and our comfort–-more than we fear God. We let them shape how we live, and we pour our time and energy into them. These things can take such a hold of our awe—our worship—that they rise above everything else in our lives. They become ultimate. And when that happens, we leave little to no room for God to be God. For God to be worshipped. For God to be Lord above all else.
When we give our awe to these things, we begin to live faithfully for them. And in doing so, we stand on foundations that—as we’ll see more clearly in Matthew 10:24–42—contrast with the firm foundation Jesus lays for us with His life—the foundation of His fearless faithfulness to God, His heavenly Father.
In Matthew 10:24-42 we encounter Jesus—the Son of God, God enfleshed and living a life like ours—living on the foundation of the truth of God. Jesus lives fearlessly faithful to the will of His heavenly Father. A central theme in this passage, is Jesus assuring his disciples that they have nothing to fear, beyond the God who created them (see vss. 28-30, “don’t be afraid”). In Matthew 10:24–42, we encounter Jesus—the Son of God, God enfleshed, living a life like ours—yet completely grounded in the truth of God. Jesus lives fearlessly faithful to the will of His heavenly Father. He faces the same kinds of temptations we face today: the temptation to protect a positive public image, to seek acceptance, to focus only on family, and to avoid conflict—to just keep the peace. But Jesus is more captivated, more in awe, more grounded—in the will of His Father. He fears God above all else, and stands faithfully on the truth of God.
Earlier in this gospel of Matthew, in Matthew 7:24-27 during Jesus’ famed, “sermon on the mount,” Jesus tells a parable, of a foolish and wise builder, …everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” In that moment, Jesus was teaching what it looks like to live with wisdom and truth. But now, in Matthew 10:24–42, He is living it. These aren’t just wise words He spoke. They are the life He embodied.
The good news we encounter in Matthew 10:24-42 is that Jesus lays the foundation for a life of fearless faithfulness to God. Jesus lays the foundation that clear-cut loyalty to God above all else is the surest and most enduring foundation we can stand upon. And Jesus invites us to stand firm on the foundation of His example of fearless faith. Jesus lays the foundation for fearless faithfulness to God. Will you stand firm on the foundation of Jesus’ fearless faith?
This past winter, we got stuck in Erie, PA during a snowstorm. On one of the roads, I had to help another guy get unstuck, before I could pass through the road. As I helped push this guy’s vehicle—to help him move, he proceeded to push the gas pedal to the metal. His wheels were spinning like crazy, as if that was somehow going to give him more traction. But, the reality is, tires aren’t designed to grip snow and ice. These tires weren’t being used according to the correct standard, and in the process, the guy was barely going anywhere. Operating by the standard is always the best way. And that’s exactly what Jesus shows us in Matthew 10:24 and following.
As I highlight often, Jesus is the image of the invisible God, as Paul writes in Colossians 1:15. Jesus is God in the flesh. Jesus is the standard of God—lived out in human form. And here in Matthew 10, Jesus re-emphasizes the true standard for human life. It’s not what we think it is, or what anyone else says it should be. The standard is what God says. And Jesus lives that standard perfectly. Jesus is guiding His disciples to see what authentic human life looks like—a life grounded in loyalty to the will of God. Jesus strives to live this way Himself—in undivided faithfulness to His heavenly Father—and trusts that foundation to be the best and most enduring way to live.
And Jesus is honest: even though this way is right and lasting, it doesn’t come without resistance. In the verses before this passage, and continuing in verses 24 and following, Jesus is clear: Fearless faithfulness to God’s standard will meet resistance. Jesus references the seemingly obvious that a student is not above their teacher. And if the teacher faces resistance to faithfulness to God’s standard, then so would the teacher’s students. The teacher being Jesus here faced slander – being called the Devil, Beelzebul (the prince of demons). And if Jesus was treated that way—if the teacher is treated that way—the students—disciples of Jesus—shouldn’t be surprised if they face similar resistance and temptation, when trying to live fearlessly faithful to God’s standard.
Throughout these verses, we see Jesus laying the foundation for His disciples to stand on. Jesus stood firm on the foundation of God’s standard for living. He feared—was captivated by, and fully given over to God’s truth. And because of that, He was able to stand firm through the slander He faced. Jesus was fearlessly faithful—because He stood on the unshakable foundation of God’s will; and trusted in God’s care to carry him through the slander and every temptation that tried to pull him off that foundation. Jesus lays the foundation for fearless faithfulness to God. Will you stand firm on the foundation of Jesus’ fearless faith?
While most of us don’t use a sword in our daily lives, we do use a similar tool—a knife. When you slice meat, or chop up vegetables for a meal, the point of the knife is to bring separation. You don’t keep the pieces connected—you divide them. And that’s the imagery Jesus evokes when He says He didn’t come to bring peace to the earth, but a sword.
Some might think Jesus is contradicting Himself—after all, in other places in the Gospels, He tells people to put away the sword, and teaches love over violence. But here, Jesus isn’t talking about violence for violence’s sake. He’s talking about what a sword does—it makes a clear-cut division.
And within the context of Matthew 10, His point is this: Fearless faithfulness to God’s standard requires clear-cut allegiance. Jesus modeled this. His allegiance to the will of His Heavenly Father was not divided. But what about us? Are we clear-cut in our fearless faithfulness to God’s standard? Or are we trying to live divided? Are we trying to manage a public image, and be faithful to God at the same time? Trying to please everyone, and still follow God's leading? Trying to elevate family and elevate God—as if they can stand on equal ground? Trying to stay comfortable, while following Jesus into the discomfort of the way that led to Jesus’ suffering on the cross? The two paths can’t co-exist. Ultimately, one will win out. And Jesus—the Lord over life—is making it clear: Only God is worthy of our clear-cut allegiance. Jesus lays the foundation for clear-cut fearless faithfulness to God. Will you stand firm on the clear-cut foundation of Jesus’ fearless faith?
Whenever we get a bill—car payment, rent, internet, medical expenses—we know the billing company doesn’t care about the rest of our budget. They don’t care if you want to go out to eat, or take a vacation, or buy gas or new clothes. They’re not looking for a partial payment. They want everything they are owed.
That’s the image behind the word “worthy” in Matthew 10:37–38, Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:37–38) Jesus is declaring that being His disciple requires full allegiance. He lays the foundation, and calls His disciples to fearlessly and faithfully stand on it.
In my study for this message, I came across an interesting insight: Jewish rabbis, while closely followed by their students, they weren’t known for demanding total supremacy over their followers’ lives, like we encounter Jesus doing here. But Jesus isn’t just another rabbi. Jesus is declaring Himself as the Lord—the One worthy of full devotion—full allegiance—and nothing less. He is acting and speaking as God in the flesh. And He’s saying that our ability to stand firm in God’s truth flows out of our allegiance to Him. As Lord, Jesus is worthy of everything from His disciples—not just pieces of their lives. Not a partial payment. But the whole thing. Jesus lays the foundation for fearless faithfulness to the God who is worthy of our fear, and our faith. Will you stand firm on the foundation of Jesus’ fearless faith to the only Heavenly Father who is worthy?
Throughout Matthew 10:24-42, Jesus warns his disciples that as they follow him, and join him in bringing God’s abundant life where it’s needed—they will constantly face temptation to get off mission. Jesus faced slander to his image. His disciples need to be ready to fearlessly stand firm in faithfulness to God’s standard and mission, when they too encounter slander. Jesus faced ostracism and accusations of intolerance. His disciples need to be ready to fearlessly stand firm in faithfulness to God’s standard and mission, when they too are left out, or labeled intolerant. Jesus had to choose between his biological family and his Heavenly Father’s allegiance. We know from the gospel of John (John 7:5) that Jesus’ brothers were known for not believing in him. Jesus was faced with making a clear-cut break between his family—who weren’t surrendered to God—and the will and mission of his Heavenly Father.
Family is an important entity in God’s design—but it is not meant to bear the weight of ultimate allegiance. With Jesus, we see that he puts God first. But out of putting God first, He is able to rightly relate to and honor his family according to God’s fuller standard. Do we do what Jesus does? Or do we fall prey to allowing community and fellowship with biological family to wedge out time and space for fellowship and community with God’s family? Do we inadvertently place God—and God’s family and mission—second?
Jesus also faced discomfort, insecurity, and conflict. In Matthew 10:24-42, we see allusions to the discomfort Jesus himself faced: His body would be killed. He would be crucified. He faced the resistance of discomfort, insecurity to his life, and conflict with the authorities of his day. His disciples will need to be ready to fearlessly stand firm in faithfulness to God’s standard and mission—when they too face discomfort, insecurity, and possibly even deadly conflict for following Jesus.
In Matthew 10:24-42, Jesus faces the same types of temptations we face today. Yet Jesus shows us what fearless faithfulness to God looks like. Jesus stands firm on the sure foundation of God’s Word of truth. Jesus lays the foundation for us to be fearlessly faithful to God. So the question is: Will we, Will you stand firm on the foundation of Jesus’ fearless faith? Will you stand firm on the foundation of Jesus’ fearless faith—when it’s tempting to inconsistently meet with Jesus in His Word, or with His body each week? Will you stand firm on the foundation of Jesus’ fearless faith—when it’s tempting to share shallowly—with Jesus, with other believers, with those disconnected from God? When it’s tempting to invest easily, rather than sacrificially, as Jesus did—in God’s will, mission, and kingdom? When it’s tempting to manipulate your public image at the expense of being honest—about your limitations, your short-comings, and your deep need for God’s grace? When it’s tempting to be accepted—instead of ostracized for standing in God’s truth? When it’s tempting to find your life in your biological family—instead of living as a child of God, and investing in his broader family in the Kingdom? When it’s tempting to choose a temporary life of comfort—instead of an enduring, abundant life in God’s Kingdom? Jesus lays the foundation for fearless faithfulness to God. Will you stand firm on the foundation of Jesus’ fearless faith?
If the foundation of your life feels like it’s shifting and crumbling, Jesus is inviting you to find stability in his life—on the foundation he’s laid for you to stand on. If God’s Spirit is prompting you to take a step of faith toward a clear-cut allegiance to Jesus—to begin living fearlessly faithful to God alone—please find me, or another follower of Jesus whom you trust. We would be glad to help you express allegiance to Jesus—in faith, under the water of baptism, bringing a clear-cut division between a life without God, and life with the God revealed in Jesus.
If you’ve already pledged allegiance to Jesus through faith and immersing your life in him, Jesus is inviting you to confront the temptations of our day. He’s inviting you to confess the false beliefs of the shifting foundations we’re tempted to stand on—and instead to believe that the surest and most enduring foundation we can stand on is the one Jesus has already laid for us. So how is God’s Spirit prompting you to stand fearlessly faithful to God in our day and age? How is God’s Spirit calling you to be fearlessly faithful to God’s image—instead of a manicured social image? Maybe God’s Spirit is calling you to be fearlessly faithful to God’s lifestyle—instead of chasing acceptance from the popular lifestyle of the day? Or to be fearlessly faithful to God—over the priority of your family? Or to be fearlessly faithful to the discomfort of God’s mission—over the comfort of a short-lived, earthly existence? However God’s Spirit is prompting you to respond, obedience is the surest and most enduring life you and I can ever experience. Jesus lays the foundation for fearless faithfulness to God. Will you stand firm on the foundation of Jesus’ fearless faith?