Day 13: Matthew 10:24-41 | 2026 Lenten Reading Plan

Thank you for joining us for the twelfth reading in our Lenten Reading Plan. Find all the resources you need below: Read Matthew 10:24-41 on Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010%3A24-41&version=ESV Listen to Matthew 10:24-41: https://share.transistor.fm/s/736b301b Download your own Lenten Reading Plan Bookmark: https://higherthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/HT_Lenten-Reading-Plan-Bookmark-2601-PRINT-at-home.pdf Download the 2026 Lenten Reading Plan Study Guide: https://higherthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/HT_Lenten-Reading-Plan-Study-Guide-2511.pdf Jesus addresses the reality that where the church rightly preaches and administers sacraments, it will face opposition. He tells us not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot touch the soul. Instead, we should fear Him, who has power over both. This isn't the devil, because in Christ, the devil can’t have you. When Jesus says "take up your cross and follow me," we often misunderstand this. We trivialize it by comparing our minor discomforts to Christ's suffering such as His scourging, beating, crucifixion. When we measure crosses by our pain level, we make the cross merely a source of suffering. This leads us to see our neighbors as sources of pain, taking up crosses because of them rather than for them. Jesus didn't die simply because sinners sinned. He died for sinners. Through His death and resurrection, Christ redeemed not just us but our suffering itself, giving it purpose. United to Christ through baptism, our suffering becomes sacrifice for our neighbors' good. "Whoever receives you receives me and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me." Jesus wants sinners brought to Him. He wants His forgiveness proclaimed to more people. When we see sinners who hurt, we can rejoice that they too might be united to Christ's death and resurrection. Christ doesn't abandon the world that opposes Him. He sends mercy through the gospel's proclamation, offering forgiveness, life, and salvation to undeserving sinners. Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology. #higherthings #lcms #lutheran #lent If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/ For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org ------ Join the conversation on Social Media: http://facebook.com/higherthings http://instagram.com/higherthings https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings