What does Matthew 10:39 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 10:39 is marked by its paradoxical statement that challenges the listener to rethink their ideas about life and purpose.

In its literal sense, the verse suggests a contradiction; to find one's life, one must lose it, and vice versa.

But the deeper meaning refers to the concept of self-sacrifice and the prioritization of spiritual over temporal concerns.

The life mentioned is not just physical existence but encompasses the idea of a fulfilled and meaningful life.

In essence, Jesus teaches that true fulfillment and eternal life come not through seeking self-preservation and self-interest but through self-denial and a commitment to the values and mission of the kingdom of God as embodied by Jesus himself.

Historical Context

Matthew 10:39 is part of a larger discourse where Jesus instructs and sends out the twelve apostles to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven.

The historical context is critical, as Jesus speaks to a group of Jewish followers living under Roman occupation, where the assertion of a new king (Kingdom of Heaven) could be seen as subversive.

The followers of Jesus were often met with hostilities and needed to understand the costs of discipleship.

During this period, a new understanding of life, sacrifice, and loyalty to the message of Jesus was being formed, in direct contrast to the prevailing cultural and social norms.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse presents several key insights:

• The concept of Dying to Self: Many Christian theologians interpret this verse as a call for believers to die to their selfish desires and live according to God's will.
• Eschatological Focus: There is an implication of an eschatological reward; the loss of earthly life or its pleasures may result in gaining eternal life.
• Soteriological Aspect: It reflects on salvation, implying that saving one's life is not about physical preservation but about aligning with God's salvific plan.

Different Christian denominations may have varying interpretations, especially between those with a focus on personal salvation versus social transformation.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse could be applied in the following ways:

• Prioritizing Spiritual Values: People might seek to prioritize what they believe are eternal and spiritual values over temporal gains.
• Selflessness: The verse encourages acts of selflessness and service to others, suggesting that this will lead to a more fulfilled life.
• Courage in Persecution: For those facing hardship or persecution for their beliefs, it offers encouragement that their sacrifices have a deeper purpose and value.

Cross-References

• Luke 17:33: Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
• Mark 8:35: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
• John 12:25: He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "life" used twice in the verse is ψυχή (psuché), which can mean "soul," "life," or "self," depending on the context. This term embodies the essence of a person, not just their physical life.

The Greek verbs for "find" (εὑρίσκω, heuriskō) and "lose" (ἀπόλλυμι, apollymi) emphasize the contrast between seeking/acquiring and destroying/losing.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This teaching of Jesus has parallels in various religious and philosophical traditions that advocate for self-denial and the pursuit of spiritual goals:

• In Buddhism, the concept of Anatta (non-self) teaches that attachment to a permanent self leads to suffering.
• Hinduism speaks of Moksha, liberation from the cycle of life and death, achieved through self-realization and detachment from the material world.
• The Stoic philosophy also reflects the idea of disregarding external goods and focusing on virtue.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the concept of self-preservation is a basic instinct found in all living organisms.

However, human psychology understands that self-actualization and fulfillment often come through acts of altruism and self-transcendence.

Modern psychology might see parallels in Maslow's hierarchy of needs where self-actualization and transcendence are placed at the highest level, often achieved through selfless behavior and connecting to something greater than oneself.

Commentaries

Commentators have provided various interpretations of this verse:

• William Barclay: He points out the essential Christian paradox, that it is in giving that we receive, it is in losing our life that we find it.
• John Gill: He speaks of losing life in a temporal sense for the sake of Christ, leading to finding it in an eternal sense, emphasizing the reward of the afterlife.
• **R.C.

Sproul**: He discusses the cost of discipleship and the ultimate gain that comes through sacrifice and following Jesus.

• Matthew Henry: He comments on the willingness to part with life itself, when called to it, for the honor of Christ, as a path to true life.