“He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”– Matthew 10:39 (KJV)
“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)
“If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.”– Matthew 10:39 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 10:39 Mean?
Matthew 10:39 is a powerful verse that speaks about the worth of our lives in the context of faith. This particular scripture takes center stage amid Jesus’ instructions to His disciples as He prepares them for the challenges they will face. At its core, this verse conveys a profound paradox that invites us to re-evaluate our priorities. It reminds us that our lives are not merely about self-preservation or clinging to our comfort zones in fear. Rather, we are called to embrace a higher purpose—one that includes sacrifice and devotion to God’s will.
This paradox can be both challenging and liberating. By stating that “he that findeth his life shall lose it,” Jesus raises a bold point. In our efforts to protect our lives—be it through ambition, wealth, or personal happiness—we often end up missing out on the richness of the life God wants for us. On the flip side, losing our lives for Christ’s sake signifies stepping outside of our selfish desires, getting involved in His mission of love, and truly living. It’s a call to action, a challenge to be brave enough to let go of our fears and to serve others as Jesus did.
Matthew 10:39 Explanation and Commentary
Understanding Matthew 10:39 requires reflecting deeply on its implications. At the time of Jesus’ message, His disciples were faced with the impending burden of persecution and misunderstanding from their communities. Jesus knew that their commitment to Him would cost them dearly, and this included sacrifice, suffering, and even death.
This scripture invites us to introspect our lives, considering what we value most. Do we prioritize our ambitions, relationships, or comforts over our commitment to follow Christ? Sometimes, these personal aspirations can distract us from serving others and fulfilling the Great Commission. Jesus teaches us that true fulfillment comes when we allow our lives to be given for His sake, which may lead to great joys and lasting peace.
The phrase “loseth his life for my sake” needs special attention. It emphasizes that the act of giving up our desires is not punishment but rather a transformative journey. We are encouraged to invest our time and energy in meaningful, selfless activities that align with what God desires. As we follow Him, we typically find that the joy and peace we were pursuing exist within the purpose we find in serving Him and others.
Eternal life is also a significant concept tied to this comment. By losing our life in service for Jesus and letting go of our grasp on worldly things, we become open to receiving the profound joy of eternal life and fellowship with God. By shifting our focus from ourselves to Christ and being actively engaged in His teachings, we experience spiritual growth and an unshakeable foundation for our lives.
Context of Matthew 10:39
To fully grasp the essence of Matthew 10:39, we need to place it in context. Jesus is talking directly to His disciples while sending them to preach the Good News. His words are intended for those who have chosen a path of discipleship. In this chapter, Jesus stresses the need for full commitment and warns His followers of the dangers they will encounter.
The concept of sacrifice resonates deeply within the broader message of the Gospel. The good news offers hope but also prepares us for the reality of following Christ in a world that often opposes His teachings. In the preceding verses, Jesus speaks about the potential challenges of discipleship, including conflict with family and even the possibility of enduring persecution. His call to follow Him requires a willingness to risk personal comfort.
This directive serves as a reminder that discipleship is not all about personal gain. Rather, it places emphasis on self-denial and a commitment to God’s kingdom. The message echoes the sentiment found in other scriptures such as Luke 9:23, where Jesus invites His followers to “take up their cross daily” in pursuit of discipleship. It’s an unmistakable theme throughout the Bible that life in Christ entails an ongoing journey toward overcoming our fears, challenges, and personal desires for the sake of a greater purpose.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 10:39
This verse can be broken down into two critical statements that help clarify its meaning. The first part addresses the individual who “findeth his life.” This refers to those who prioritize their safety, desires, and aspirations over everything else, including their relationship with God. Many of us can relate to this situation—embracing a lifestyle driven by worldly goals, career achievements, or personal happiness without considering how it aligns with God’s plan.
The troubling aspect of this life focus is that it often leads to a sense of emptiness or unfulfillment. We might find ourselves running after things that seem significant but ultimately yield no real satisfaction or purpose. Jesus makes it clear that this temporary existence comes at a cost—specifically the loss of our true selves.
The second part of the verse turns this concept on its head: “he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Here, Jesus emphasizes that genuine fulfillment is found through self-sacrifice. The journey of losing ourselves can manifest in a range of actions, including serving others, putting aside personal agendas, and embracing God’s path—even when it is uncomfortable. In doing so, we find a renewed sense of purpose, deeper relationships, inner peace, and ultimately, an everlasting life in God’s presence.
This core principle is interwoven throughout scripture, with verses such as Mark 8:35 repeating this call for us to lay aside our lives. It’s exhilarating to experience the freedom that comes when we focus on God’s commandments over personal desires, and it helps us grow in faith as we become more like Christ, who embodied the ultimate sacrifice.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 10:39
Matthew 10:39 teaches us significant lessons about the nature of life, choice, and commitment in our foundation of faith. One primary lesson is that it is crucial to discern our priorities. Each day presents choices that, whether deliberately or inadvertently, shape our paths. We can often be caught up in the complexities of daily living, making decisions that serve our immediate needs rather than considering their alignment with God’s will for our lives.
This verse also encourages us to embrace discomfort. It is far too easy to settle into a lifestyle centered around our desires, but this verse challenges us to rise above and place our trust in God amid uncertainty. When we step out of our comfort zones, we open ourselves up to profound experiences of God’s grace, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us.
Through this scripture, we also learn the beauty of serving others. When we lose sight of ourselves in service to others, we fulfill one of the highest callings of our faith. Whether it is through acts of kindness, volunteer work, or simply listening and connecting with others, service is a vital part of embarking on this journey with Jesus. We find fulfillment in serving because it echoes the very nature of Christ and His teachings.
Finally, Matthew 10:39 reminds us that true fulfillment and life come from a relationship and commitment to God. The quest for eternal life is irrevocably tied to our willingness to place Him above all else in our lives. We are reminded that God’s plans for us are more expansive than we can conceive. When we embrace this truth, we can find a sense of purpose in our lives that transcends our understanding.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on Matthew 10:39 fills us with both peace and challenge. The paradox that emerges from this scripture serves to encourage us while simultaneously urging us to examine our lives. To find life, we must begin the journey of letting go of our self-centered tendencies and placing our faith where it truly belongs—in Christ.
By trusting God and serving others, we will often find ourselves gaining more than we ever dreamed possible. This journey may not always be easy, but it is rewarding in ways that go beyond material gain. Each act of selflessness is a step toward deeper relationship with God and an appreciation of the life He offers.
As we continue our exploration of God’s Word, let us hold on to the teachings in Matthew 10:39, with a commitment to align our lives with Christ’s mission. We encourage each other to step beyond comfort, put our faith in action, and keep our hearts open to the transformative power of God’s love. For more insightful passages, we can also check out Matthew 11 or explore other compelling stories in Genesis. The journey in faith is filled with learning opportunities, and we should cherish every step of the way.