The Paradox of Authentic Discipleship

Matthew 10:34–42

"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

The Paradox of Authentic Discipleship means following Jesus by taking up the cross daily

The Paradox of Peace and Trouble

1. Jesus is the Peace-Giver
2. Jesus is the Trouble-Giver
3. Following Jesus the Peace-Giver brings Troubles

The Paradox of Love and Hate 

1. Love God and Others
2. Hate Others and Love God
3. Following Jesus-the Love-Giver requires hating others

The Paradox of Losing Life and Gaining Life

1. Losing Life
2. Gaining Life
3. Following Jesus the Life-Giver requires Losing Life leading to Gaining Life

The Paradox of Resemblance between Receiving the Greatest God and Receiving the Smallest Disciple

• Whoever welcomes Jesus’ disciples welcomes God the Father
• Whoever welcomes a prophet receives the prophet’s reward
• Whoever welcomes a righteous person receives the righteous person’s reward
• Whoever give a cup of cold water to the least disciples still receive a reward

1. Receiving the Greatest God
2. Receiving the Smallest Disciple
3. Following Jesus the Greatest God results in being rewarded for the smallest act to the least disciple

Conclusion