Who is a follower of Jesus and is there a cost for following him? These and more are some of the questions Jesus answers in Matthew chapter 10 as he sends out his 12 apostles. They had a message, and the authority and backing to prove it. Their message was; "Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near."
Matthew 10:7 NLT.
All followers of Jesus have this qualities.
They are like sheep amongst wolves, they had to be shrewd as snales and harmless as doves at the same time (Vs 16).
All followers of Jesus will face persecution for their beliefs. Jesus said; "But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Matthew 10:17-20 NLT.
Followers of Jesus love the Lord more than they love their very lives.
"If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it."
Matthew 10:39 NLT.
They do not cling to life.
