Matthew 10:24-28 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 10:24-28 on biblegateway.com
Verse 24"A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; Verse 25it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! Verse 26"So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Verse 27What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Verse 28Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Devotion
Fear is natural when we feel exposed or vulnerable. We often protect ourselves by hiding parts of our lives—our doubts, struggles, even our faith. But Jesus points to a deeper truth: “Nothing is covered up …that will not become known” (26). This is not a threat, but a promise. What is rooted in God will come to light.
I was reminded of the Johari Window from a workshop on Emotional Intelligence and Human Relations. It describes a “hidden area” of what we keep to ourselves and an “open area” of what is shared and known.
Jesus invites movement from hidden to open: “What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light.”
In a culture that often keeps faith private, Jesus calls us to live openly and courageously. Because we are fully known and fully loved by God, we can live more honestly with God, ourselves, and one another—moving from hiddenness into light, not for shame, but for freedom.
Prayer
Gracious God, you know us completely and love us fully. Where we are afraid, give us courage. Where we hide, draw us into your light. Help us to live our faith openly and faithfully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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