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LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1989, Page 83

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

LIFELIGHT BIBLE STUDY 83

her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-
law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own
household” (vv. 35-36). When a disciple loves father or
mother more than Christ or son or daughter more than
Christ, that person is trying to find his own life rather
than losing it for Christ’s sake.

Actually, the disciple who loses his own life for Christ’s
sake loves Christ so much that he also loves father, mother,
son, and daughter with a self-giving love. Even when
Christ’s sword divides relationships because people reject
Him, the disciple continues to proclaim the Savior’s life
and peace for the world. How blessed those people who
receive the disciple, the prophet, and the righteous man,
even with a cup of cold water (vv. 40-42)!

Ina world that emphasizes gaining life through success,
power, popularity, and material wealth, we pause to let
God’s Spirit search our own hearts. Do we want to lose our
lives for Christ’s sake or hang on to our lives so that others
will accept us? Christ did not come to bring false peace but
a sword. We confess our sin of not taking up our crosses
and following Jesus.

Yes, Jesus sends the disciples on His mission. He
teaches, preaches, and heals. He has compassion on the
crowds like sheep without a shepherd. He sees the fields
ripe for harvest. As the good shepherd who gives His life
for the sheep, Jesus also calls 12 disciples and sends them
on a mission to the lost sheep of Israel. They likewise teach,
preach, and heal. He gives them His authority and in-
structs them how to enter the villages of Galilee. Jesus
prepares them for the opposition and trials they will face
as they carry out His mission. He also promises them His
grace and daily provision. Finally, Jesus describes their
mission as losing their lives for His sake.

We stand with the disciples and receive our instruc-
tions. Called by His grace, vested with His authority,
flooded with His compassion for lost sheep, we march forth
into the world to lose our lives for His sake. Aware of op-
position and trials, we seek His grace and provision for
our daily tasks. Most of all, we look to Him for life and
peace as we confess our sins and receive His forgiveness.
We, too, are sent on Jesus’ mission!