Matthew 10:32-36
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As you read Matthew 10:32-36, keep in mind that this is not a message for the masses. Rather, Jesus is speaking to his closest followers.
The Greek words translated “confess” and “deny” in this passage have nuanced meanings that indicate agreement or disagreement. To agree with Jesus is to have our minds and hearts set right – the way God intended – and to disagree with Jesus is to stay in a state of chaos.
The words Jesus quotes from the prophet Micah were delivered at a time when God’s people were in full rebellion against God’s good and perfect ways. Instead of representing God to the rest of the world through blessing, the nation of Israel turned from God and was in a constant state of enmity with surrounding nations.
Eventually many of these other nations conquered and oppressed the people of God, and under Roman occupation Israel’s religious leaders constructed a system based on misinterpretations and distortions of God’s just laws. In their chaos and oppression these leaders created a new normal in which those with power and position could lord it over those without.
Take a moment to consider the state of the world currently. How closely does the general state of the world agree with the teachings and example of Jesus as you have come to know him in the Gospels? Share your thoughts and feelings about this with Jesus openly.
Read Matthew 10:32-36 again with all of this in mind.
The coming of Jesus, the perfect Israelite, disrupted the carefully constructed system of the religious elite. The system was designed to keep people in their place, but Jesus brought dignity and hope to everyone regardless of their standing in society. Jesus brought healing and restoration to the inner chaos of people, but for those intent on maintaining their positions of power and privilege at all costs, Jesus’ ministry was deeply threatening.
The peace of Jesus is an inner peace that centers and grounds us in our true identities as children of God created in God’s image. This shalom peace is unshakeable for those who embrace the upside-down ways of God’s Kingdom. But in a world that applauds and rewards power, might and privilege, the message of the Good News continues to be disruptive.
As you end this time of meditation, take your thoughts and feelings to Jesus. Share openly and honestly with him and then get still and listen.
What might Jesus be saying to you today?
What will you do in response?
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