MPV Commentary

15:1-2 The disciples were concerned about their status in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus told them that they would be persecuted and hated by all nations because of him. He warned them to stand firm and not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot harm the soul.

15:3-5 Jesus said that he had taught them in secret, but now it was time for them to speak openly about his teachings. He told them to proclaim what they had heard from him in public, even if it meant facing opposition and persecution.

15:6-7 Jesus warned his disciples not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot harm the soul. Instead, they should fear God, who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell.

15:8-9 Jesus pointed out that even small creatures like sparrows are valuable to their Creator, and that he knows every detail about them. He told his disciples not to be afraid because they were more valuable than many sparrows.

15:10-11 Whoever confesses Jesus before men will be confessed by him before the Father in heaven. On the other hand, whoever denies Jesus before men will also be denied by him before the Father.

15:12-14 Jesus said that he had not come to bring peace but a sword, causing division and conflict between people who are loyal to him and those who are not. He warned his disciples that they would face opposition from their own families and friends because of their loyalty to him.

15:15-16 Whoever loves father or mother more than Jesus is not worthy of him. Similarly, whoever loves son or daughter more than Jesus is also unworthy of him.

15:17-20 Jesus said that those who take up their cross and follow him are worthy of him. He warned his disciples that they would have to be willing to give up their lives for his sake in order to find true life.

15:21-24 Whoever receives a prophet or a righteous person because of their office or character will receive the same reward as they do. Similarly, whoever gives even a small service to one of Jesus' followers will not lose their reward.

15:25-28 Jesus said that he had come to bring division and conflict between people who are loyal to him and those who are not. He warned his disciples that they would face opposition from their own families and friends because of their loyalty to him.

15:29-31 Jesus pointed out that even small creatures like sparrows are valuable to their Creator, and that he knows every detail about them. He told his disciples not to be afraid because they were more valuable than many sparrows.

15:32-35 Whoever confesses Jesus before men will be confessed by him before the Father in heaven. On the other hand, whoever denies Jesus before men will also be denied by him before the Father.

15:36-37 Jesus said that he had come to bring division and conflict between people who are loyal to him and those who are not. He warned his disciples that they would face opposition from their own families and friends because of their loyalty to him.

15:38-40 Whoever takes up their cross and follows Jesus is worthy of him. He warned his disciples that they would have to be willing to give up their lives for his sake in order to find true life.

15:41-44 Whoever receives a prophet or a righteous person because of their office or character will receive the same reward as they do. Similarly, whoever gives even a small service to one of Jesus' followers will not lose their reward.

15:45-46 Jesus said that he had come to bring division and conflict between people who are loyal to him and those who are not. He warned his disciples that they would face opposition from their own families and friends because of their loyalty to him.