Jan. 14, 2021
In Genesis 29, the former deceiver is deceived. After falling in love with Rachel, Jacob is tricked into marrying her older sister. Then, he has to work seven more years to marry Rachel.
Between Rachel and Leah and their maidservants, Jacob becomes the father of 12 sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Benjamin, and Joseph. If those names sound familiar, it’s because Jacob’s sons are the beginning of the 12 tribes of Israel. The same 12 tribes who inherit the promised land.
With a growing family, Jacob decides to part ways with his father-in-law. Laban agrees but again tries to take advantage of Jacob. Wise to Laban’s ways, Jacob adopts a breeding strategy that ensures the striped, speckled, and spotted sheep would be the strongest in the herd.
The goal of a disciple is to be like his teacher. So if people thought Jesus was Satan, His disciples could expect to be called things that were as bad or worse (Matthew 9:34, Matthew 10:25).
When Jesus sent His disciples into the world, He knew that it would not be all salvations and miracles. They would need the courage to face what was coming, so Jesus reminds the disciples that God Himself is looking out for them (Matthew 10:29-31).
This was a serious mission with a life-altering message. What the disciples were calling people into was a whole life, lifetime commitment. Many would have to decide if they would follow Jesus or follow their families’ ways (Matthew 10:36).
Following Jesus would cost people personally, but denying Him would cost them eternally.
Make It Personal
- How has following Jesus cost you? How do those costs compare to what Jesus calls disciples to give in Matthew 10?
- Think about whose opinions matter most to you. How do others’ thoughts and opinions affect your ability to follow Jesus wholeheartedly?