Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7A)
June 21, 2026
Text: Matt. 10:5a, 21-33
Courage, dear Christian, courage. Courage, dear Church of God, courage. It takes courage to live as a disciple of Jesus. To confess Him. To speak His Word. To bear His Name. Because “you will be hated by all for my name’s sake,” Jesus says (Matt. 10:22; ESV). “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household” (vv. 24-25).
So, it takes courage. Jesus is forthright about the challenges a disciple may face. Last week, we heard about opposition from coreligionists: “they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues” (v. 17); and persecution on the part of governing authorities and unbelievers: “you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles” (v. 18). This afternoon, as we hear more of what we often call our Lord’s “Missionary Discourse,” Jesus tells us our own family members may hate us because we follow Jesus. That is a painful heartache many of you know intimately. There are places in the world today where family members don’t just say mean things to their Christian relations… where they don’t only cut off contact and shun (as painful as that is)... but they actually do what Jesus says here they will do: Brother delivering brother over to death, and the father his child, and children their parents (v. 21). Whole communities, chasing the Christian out of town (v. 23). And, we know, beatings, imprisonments, and the loss of all earthly possessions. That has happened to Christians throughout history, and is happening today. Lord, Jesus, strengthen Your persecuted disciples in every place, and grant them Your Holy Spirit, to confess You faithfully unto death. And give us the strength and Your Spirit, should that ever be us!
So, that is why we need courage. And that courage, understand, is not something you can draw deep from the wells of your own heart. It has to be the gift of God. It has to be a fruit of the Spirit. Because this is spiritual warfare. You’re actually not wrestling against flesh and blood. You love the people who do such things to you. That is why you want to tell them about Jesus. They are your blood relatives, your friends, your neighbors, your community, your people. The opposition actually comes from the demons: The rulers, the authorities (not earthly rulers and authorities, but ranks of evil angels), the cosmic powers over this present darkness, the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:12). These maleficent beings specialize in turning human hearts against one another, often violently. God is love, and those born of God love one another (1 John 4). But the demons are filled with hate, and those in their grasp are likewise filled with hate.
Beloved, you are born of God (Baptism). Redeemed by Christ, who pours out His Spirit upon you. So you love, even as you are loved by God. And, you have this courage. It is piped into your ears in the hearing of the Gospel, and in a very particular way in the Holy Supper, with Christ on your breath, and invading your very body with His crucified and risen body. His blood, beating in your heart and coursing through your veins. St. John Chrysostom famously said: “Let us then return from that table like lions breathing fire, having become terrible to the devil.” I love that quote, and think of it often.
Our Lord tells us the crosses we have to take up, if we are to be His disciples, but so also, in this discourse, He gives us very precious, encouraging (as in, puts the courage into us) Good News. Listen to these five reasons you can be courageous… “have no fear of them,” as Jesus says (v. 26)... in the face of this heartbreaking, and even violent, opposition:
First, He says that “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 10:22). That Promise can carry you through any trial or tribulation. Because you know there will be a happy ending. Why can children make it through Snow White, or Sleeping Beauty (or pick your Disney princess movie), in spite of the evil queen, and the death-sleep of the princess, and the seemingly hopeless mortal peril of the savior-prince? Because they know that, in the end, the prince will rescue her, they will all live happily ever after. Well, you know that, too. As bad as things may get under the devil’s seeming reign, and his threats toward you and the Church. Jesus is coming, our Savior, our Prince. He died, yes. But He is risen. He lives. And He is coming to awaken you and give you life, so that, in the End, you live happily ever after with Him. The one who endures to the end will be saved.
Second, “nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known” (v. 26). That is, justice is coming. Vindication. The Gospel will prove true, and disciples of Jesus will be manifestly righteous. Your suffering is seen. God knows it. He cares. He will make it good. So… courage, because in the End, everyone will know the truth, and your righteousness in Christ will be manifest.
Third, the worst they can do to you is kill your body, but they cannot kill your soul. So, don’t fear them. Fear God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. But also, trust Him. He’s redeemed you by the death and resurrection of His dear Son, Jesus. So, if they kill your body, what will God do? Take your soul to safety in heaven. And then what? Raise you, bodily, to eternal life. Courage, then, dear brothers and sisters. They can inflict some pain, but they cannot, finally, hurt you.
Fourth, not a sparrow falls from the sky, or a hair from your head, apart from your Father’s knowledge and care. And you are of more value than many sparrows. What is the point? If God so cares for birds of the air and the hair on your head, how much more does He care for you? He who is Almighty, and All Good? He loves you with an everlasting love. So, courage.
And, fifth, what does Jesus promise for those who confess Him before men? He will confess you before His Father in heaven. That is, He will say to His Father, “This one is mine. Purchased with My own suffering, blood, and death. And this one is also Yours, dear Father. You sent Me, to make it so. This is Your beloved child. Bring him… bring her… into the joy of Your Kingdom, for My sake.” And God’s answer to His only-begotten Son is “Yes.” In Christ, it is always, “Yes.” Therefore, courage.
Live in Jesus. No matter the cost. No matter the pain. Order your life according to His Word, and not according to the world, or your own sinful passions. Live openly in Him. Speak of Him. Season Your speech with His Word and His Name. Teach your children. Remind them, even when they are old, that Jesus loves them, and died for them. Confess Christ to your friends and neighbors. Invite them to Church. Do not hide because you are afraid. Courage, dear Christian. Courage. Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is within you. But remember to do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). But do it. Because you have been given to speak the Word of eternal life to the people around you, the people God has given you. That Word saves them from death and hell. That Word gives them salvation and life. Even as it does for you. Because that Word gives them Jesus Christ.
And what if you suffer? You will. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. Jesus suffered. So will you. Okay. Take up your cross. But remember the Promises. They will not fail. Because Jesus does not fail. He loves you. He died for you. He lives and reigns for you. So, you can count on it: The one who endures to the end will be saved. That’s you. Courage. Because that is you in Christ. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son +, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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