In these chapters we see that Jesus had authority over sickness, demons, and even creation as the disciples asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him" (8:27)! In this section, we see that everyone who came to Jesus was changed either one way or the other. We learn there is a cost of discipleship, and that we are to give up all we have, all that we are, and that He must be supreme in our lives, even over our families. After showing the disciples His authority, He then shared some with the disciples as He sent them out into the harvest field. Jesus shared that not everyone will receive them, and it may even be family members who betray them, but "those who stand firm to the end will be saved" (10:22). Yet we also see that for those who are faithful to the Lord Jesus, there is a reward that is better than the suffering here on this earth, and even better, there is a place at His banquet table, where we are loved and accepted.
