A Father’s Day Sermon?
Remember Who You Are and Whose You Are
Scripture
Psalm 86:1-10
Matthew 10:24-39
Sermon Date
June 21, 2026
Key Theme
Jesus calls His followers to a lifetime of faithful discipleship. We are not to let fear, opposition, difficult relationships, or the opinions of others keep us from following Him. We can trust God because He knows us, values us, and cares for us.
Introduction
At first glance, Matthew 10:24-39 may seem like an unusual Scripture passage for Father’s Day. Jesus speaks about opposition, fear, division, and the cost of discipleship. Yet this passage contains the kind of wisdom that loving parents often pass on to their children throughout life.
Good parents do more than provide for their children. They prepare them for life. They teach them to stand for what is right, make wise choices, persevere through difficulties, and remain faithful to their values.
In Matthew 10, Jesus is doing exactly that. He is preparing His disciples for the journey ahead. He is not offering temporary advice for a short mission trip. He is giving lifelong instructions for faithful discipleship.
One of the central lessons from this passage can be summarized in a simple phrase:
Remember Who You Are and Whose You Are
Jesus Prepares His Disciples for Reality
Earlier in Matthew 10, Jesus sent His disciples out to preach, heal, and minister in His name. He instructed them to travel lightly and depend on God for their needs.
But Jesus did not hide the challenges they would face.
Some people would reject their message.
Some would oppose them.
Some would try to stop them.
If people rejected Jesus, they should expect that some people would reject His followers as well.
Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that following Him would not always be easy.
The same remains true today. Following Christ often requires courage, perseverance, and faithfulness.
Do Not Be Afraid
One of the repeated themes throughout this passage is Jesus’ command:
“Do not be afraid.”
Fear is one of the greatest obstacles to discipleship.
We fear rejection.
We fear criticism.
We fear losing relationships.
We fear what others may think.
We fear failure.
Jesus reminds His disciples that fear should never determine their decisions.
Instead of fearing people, they should trust God.
Instead of hiding the truth, they should proclaim it boldly.
Instead of shrinking back from discipleship, they should move forward in faith.
Faith does not mean the absence of fear. Faith means trusting God even when fear is present.
You Are Worth More Than Many Sparrows
Jesus points to one of the smallest and least expensive creatures in His world—a sparrow.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” (Matthew 10:29)
If God notices every sparrow, how much more does He care for His children?
Jesus continues:
“So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:31)
God knows us completely.
He knows our struggles.
He knows our fears.
He knows our needs.
Jesus even says that God knows the number of hairs on our heads.
This is a picture of God’s intimate care and attention.
We never walk through life alone.
God sees us.
God knows us.
God loves us.
God values us.
Remember Who You Are and Whose You Are
Parents often give important advice that stays with us for years.
Some of the best advice is simple:
Remember who you are.
Remember your values.
Remember what matters.
Jesus gives His disciples a similar reminder.
They belong to God.
Their identity is not found in the approval of people.
It is not found in success, popularity, wealth, or status.
Their identity is found in their relationship with God.
The same is true for believers today.
When life becomes difficult, it helps to remember not only who we are but whose we are.
We belong to Christ.
When Following Jesus Creates Tension
One of the most challenging sections of this passage involves family conflict.
Jesus was not encouraging people to create division.
He was acknowledging a reality.
Not everyone responds positively to the Gospel.
Sometimes family members disagree about matters of faith.
Sometimes friends question our commitment to Christ.
Sometimes following Jesus creates tension because our priorities, values, and convictions change.
Jesus was not telling His followers to abandon their families.
Rather, He was teaching that loyalty to Him must come first.
Our relationship with Christ should guide every other relationship in our lives.
Jesus Must Come First
Jesus says:
“Anyone who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:37)
These words are difficult because family relationships are precious gifts from God.
Yet Jesus is teaching that nothing—not even good things—should take His place in our hearts.
Family.
Money.
Politics.
Success.
Comfort.
Personal ambitions.
Even spiritual leaders.
All of these must remain secondary to Christ.
Healthy spiritual leaders point people toward Jesus, not toward themselves.
Our highest loyalty belongs to Him alone.
Taking Up the Cross
Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him.
The cross was a symbol of surrender, sacrifice, and commitment.
Following Jesus requires daily choices.
We must continually choose obedience over convenience.
Faith over fear.
Trust over control.
Discipleship is not simply believing certain truths.
It is actively following Jesus every day.
Losing Life to Find Life
Jesus concludes with one of His most memorable teachings:
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)
The world teaches us to hold tightly to our desires, ambitions, and plans.
Jesus teaches us to surrender them to God.
This does not mean losing what matters.
It means discovering what matters most.
Sometimes pride must die.
Sometimes fear must die.
Sometimes the need for approval must die.
Sometimes selfish ambition must die.
As we surrender these things to Christ, we discover the life He created us to live.
Life Application
What fears may be holding you back from fully following Jesus?
Are you seeking God’s approval or the approval of others?
Is there anything competing with Christ for first place in your life?
What part of your life needs to be surrendered more completely to God?
How can you remember who you are and whose you are this week?
Reflection Questions
Why do you think Jesus repeatedly tells His disciples not to be afraid?
How does God’s care for the sparrows encourage you?
Have you ever experienced tension because of your faith?
What does it mean to take up your cross today?
What fears or desires might God be asking you to surrender?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving us, knowing us, and caring for us. Help us to remember who we are and whose we are. Give us courage when we face fear, wisdom when we face difficult choices, and strength to follow Jesus faithfully. Teach us to place You first in every area of our lives and to trust You completely. May we carry the light of Christ into the world and live as faithful disciples every day.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
