Walking in the Footsteps of Christ - A Bible Study on Matthew Chapter 10 KJV
Updated: Aug 4
"Called • Equipped • Sent"
"And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."
— Matthew 10:7 (KJV)
🌿 Chapter Overview
Matthew 10 records Christ's commissioning of the twelve disciples. Before sending them into the world, Jesus equipped them with power, instruction, encouragement, and solemn warnings. Their mission was not merely to preach but to reveal God's character through lives of compassion, humility, healing, and unwavering faith.
This chapter teaches that every believer is called to represent Christ faithfully, even when faced with opposition.
📖 SECTION I
Christ Calls Ordinary People
Read
Matthew 10:1–4
Jesus called fishermen, a tax collector, and ordinary working men.
He did not choose the wealthy or influential.
Instead...
He chose willing hearts.
Key Lesson
God qualifies those He calls.
Our usefulness depends upon our surrender—not our talents.
KJV Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
John 15:16
Ephesians 2:10
✍ EGW Insight
Ellen White explains that Christ selected humble men so they would learn directly from Him. Their success came through dependence upon divine power rather than human wisdom. Heaven still works through consecrated men and women who are willing to be taught by Christ.
🌾 SECTION II
The Gospel Is Practical
Read
Matthew 10:5–15
Jesus instructed the disciples to
✓ Preach
✓ Heal
✓ Cleanse
✓ Comfort
✓ Give freely
Notice the order.
The disciples met physical needs while leading people to spiritual truth.
Matthew 10:8
"Heal the sick...freely ye have received,freely give."
Application
True Christianity serves people.
It feeds.
It comforts.
It visits.
It teaches.
It loves.
EGW Insight
Ellen White repeatedly identifies medical missionary work as Christ's method of opening hearts to receive the gospel. Acts of kindness remove prejudice and prepare individuals to hear God's Word.
❤️ Reflection
How can I combine practical ministry with sharing Scripture?
🔥 SECTION III
Beware of Opposition
Read
Matthew 10:16–25
Jesus never promised an easy road. Instead He said, "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."
Four Characteristics
🕊 Wise
🕊 Harmless
🕊 Courageous
🕊 Faithful
KJV Cross References
Romans 12:18
Philippians 2:15
James 1:5
EGW Insight
Those who faithfully obey Christ should expect misunderstanding. Opposition should never discourage God's servants but strengthen their dependence upon Him.
🌟 SECTION IV
Fear God—Not Man
Read
Matthew 10:26–33
One of the greatest themes in this chapter is courage. Three times Jesus says, "Fear not."
Why?
Because
God sees.
God remembers.
God values you.
Matthew 10:31
"Fear ye not therefore,ye are of more value than many sparrows."
Think About It
What fears prevent me from witnessing?
EGW Insight
God never forgets His faithful children. Every sacrifice made for Christ is noticed in heaven, and His sustaining grace is sufficient for every trial.
👨👩👧 SECTION V
The Cost of Following Jesus
Read
Matthew 10:34–39
Jesus teaches that discipleship requires complete loyalty. Christ must come before career, friends, family, or personal ambition.
Matthew 10:39
"He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Reflection
Following Christ often requires sacrifice.
Yet eternal life is worth every earthly loss.
EGW Insight
True disciples surrender everything to Christ. Such surrender is not loss but the beginning of abundant spiritual life and eternal joy.
🤝 SECTION VI
Every Act of Kindness Matters
Read
Matthew 10:40–42
Even giving a cup of cold water to someone in Christ's name is remembered in heaven.
Matthew 10:42
"...he shall in no wise lose his reward."
Ministry Application
This includes
🍞 Feeding the hungry
🏥 Visiting the sick
🙏 Praying with others
📖 Giving Bible studies
❤️ Encouraging the discouraged
🏠 Welcoming strangers
EGW Insight
No act of unselfish service is overlooked by God. Even the smallest deed performed with love reflects Christ's character and becomes part of His work on earth.
🌿 Christ's Method in Matthew 10
Christ's commission combines proclamation with compassion:
Teach the gospel.
Heal the sick.
Serve without selfish motives.
Trust God's provision.
Persevere through opposition.
Fear God rather than man.
Remain faithful to Christ above all.
Show kindness in even the smallest acts.
✨ Memory Verses
Matthew 10:7 (KJV)"And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Matthew 10:8 (KJV)"Freely ye have received, freely give."
Matthew 10:28 (KJV)"Fear not them which kill the body..."
Matthew 10:31 (KJV)"Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."
Matthew 10:42 (KJV)"...he shall in no wise lose his reward."
📝 Personal Reflection
What does God want me to do after studying Matthew 10?
Who can I serve this week in Christ's name?
How can I share the gospel with compassion and courage?
🙏 Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling ordinary people into Your service. Fill us with the compassion, humility, courage, and faithfulness that Jesus taught in Matthew 10. Help us to freely give as we have freely received, to minister to both the physical and spiritual needs of those around us, and to remain faithful even when facing opposition. May our lives reflect the character of Christ as we proclaim the everlasting gospel and prepare others for His soon return. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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