Matthew 10:39

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Study Bible

Whoever finds his life
The phrase "finds his life" in the original Greek is "ὁ εὑρὼν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ" (ho heurōn tēn psychēn autou). The word "finds" (εὑρίσκω, heuriskō) implies a discovery or attainment, often through effort or search. In the context of this verse, it suggests a pursuit of self-preservation or self-centered goals. The term "life" (ψυχή, psychē) can also be translated as "soul" or "self," indicating the essence of one's being. Historically, this reflects the human tendency to prioritize personal gain, comfort, or security over spiritual or eternal values. Jesus challenges this natural inclination by suggesting that such a pursuit ultimately leads to loss.

will lose it
The Greek word for "lose" is "ἀπολέσει" (apolesei), which conveys the idea of destruction or ruin. In a spiritual sense, this loss is not merely physical but pertains to the eternal consequences of prioritizing earthly life over spiritual truth. The paradox here is profound: in seeking to save one's life through worldly means, one ultimately forfeits the true essence of life as intended by God. This reflects a consistent biblical theme where true life is found not in self-preservation but in self-sacrifice and surrender to God's will.

and whoever loses his life
Here, "loses" (ἀπολέσῃ, apolesē) is the same Greek root as before, but now it is used in a redemptive context. The act of losing one's life is voluntary and sacrificial, indicating a willingness to give up personal ambitions, desires, or even physical life for a higher purpose. Historically, this has been exemplified by martyrs and those who have suffered for their faith. The phrase challenges believers to consider what they are willing to sacrifice for the sake of Christ and His kingdom.

for My sake
The phrase "for My sake" (ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ, heneken emou) is crucial, as it specifies the motivation behind the sacrifice. It is not loss for the sake of loss, but a purposeful act of devotion to Jesus Christ. This reflects the call to discipleship, where allegiance to Christ takes precedence over all else. In the historical context of early Christianity, this often meant facing persecution and even death. The phrase underscores the personal relationship between the believer and Christ, where the ultimate loyalty is to Him.

will find it
The word "find" (εὑρήσει, heurēsei) here mirrors the earlier use but now in a positive, eternal sense. The promise is that those who willingly surrender their lives for Christ will discover true life, both now and in eternity. This finding is not merely a return to the status quo but an entrance into a deeper, more fulfilling existence aligned with God's purposes. Theologically, it speaks to the resurrection life and the abundant life Jesus promises to His followers. It is a call to trust in the paradoxical wisdom of God's kingdom, where true life is found through self-denial and faithfulness to Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples, providing them with instructions and encouragement as He sends them out to preach the Gospel.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being prepared for the challenges and sacrifices involved in following Christ and spreading His message.

3. The Mission of the Twelve
This event is part of Jesus sending out the twelve apostles to the lost sheep of Israel, instructing them on how to conduct their ministry and what to expect.

Teaching Points

The Paradox of Life and Loss
Jesus presents a profound paradox: true life is found not in self-preservation but in self-sacrifice for His sake. This challenges believers to evaluate what they prioritize in life.

The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus requires a willingness to surrender personal ambitions and comforts. This verse calls for a radical reorientation of life priorities towards Christ.

Eternal Perspective
The promise of finding life by losing it for Jesus' sake encourages believers to adopt an eternal perspective, valuing spiritual and eternal rewards over temporary gains.

Identity in Christ
Our true identity and purpose are found in Christ. By losing our life for His sake, we discover our true self and purpose in His kingdom.

Daily Surrender
This teaching calls for daily surrender and commitment to Christ, recognizing that each day presents opportunities to choose His will over our own.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to "find" and "lose" one's life in the context of Matthew 10:39, and how does this apply to your daily decisions?

2. How can the principle of losing one's life for Christ's sake influence your priorities and goals?

3. In what ways can you identify with Paul's statement in Philippians 3:7-8 about counting all things as loss for the sake of Christ?

4. How does adopting an eternal perspective, as suggested in this verse, change the way you view challenges and sacrifices in your life?

5. Reflect on a situation where you had to choose between self-preservation and following Christ. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it guide your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 16:25
This verse reiterates the paradox of losing one's life to find it, emphasizing the cost of discipleship and the eternal reward.

John 12:25
Jesus speaks about hating one's life in this world to keep it for eternal life, reinforcing the theme of prioritizing spiritual over earthly life.

Philippians 3:7-8
Paul speaks of counting all things as loss for the sake of Christ, illustrating the principle of losing worldly gains to gain Christ.

Galatians 2:20
Paul describes being crucified with Christ, no longer living for himself but for Christ, which aligns with the concept of losing one's life for Jesus' sake.