Matthew 10 · Grade 4
Sheep Among Wolves
Read and Think
Jesus called twelve disciples, also called apostles, which means sent ones. He gave them authority over unclean spirits and every disease. Matthew lists them by name, including himself as "Matthew the tax collector" and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus.
Jesus first sent them to the lost sheep of Israel to preach that the Kingdom of Heaven was near and to heal the sick. "Freely you received, so freely give." He warned honestly that some would reject them, and some would even bring them before rulers. When that happened, the Spirit of their Father would give them words to say.
Three times Jesus says, "Don't be afraid." The Father, who knows when a sparrow falls, values His children far more. Following Jesus means loving Him more than anyone, even family, and taking up our cross. But no act of love is forgotten. Whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of His followers will not lose his reward.
Show What You Know
What does the word apostle mean?
What did Jesus tell the twelve to do as they went?
What did Jesus promise if they were brought before rulers?
Why can Jesus' followers face fear with courage?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- called twelve disciples, also called apostles, which means sent ones.
- Jesus first sent them to the lost sheep of Israel to that the Kingdom of Heaven was near and to heal the sick.
- Whoever gives a cup of cold to one of His followers will not lose his reward.
Think About It
Jesus told His followers the truth about hard times ahead. Why is it good that He was honest?
What is one cup of cold water kindness you can give someone this week in Jesus' name?
Memory Verse
“Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:31 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- Jesus warned following Him would sometimes be hard. Why is He still worth following?
- How can you be wise and gentle in your neighborhood?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.