Never Alone – October 30, 2026
Read: Matthew 10:16-23
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Matthew 10:21-23
Never Alone
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have you ever been the only person who didn’t join in? Maybe others were laughing at someone, and you knew it was wrong. Standing apart from the crowd can feel lonely.
Throughout history, Christians have faced challenges because of their faith in Jesus. Those hardships have looked different depending on the time and place, but they have always been part of following Christ. We may face them too. Today, many children are growing up surrounded by fewer Christians than their parents or grandparents did.
Jesus tells us not to be surprised by this. Earlier in this chapter, he says he is sending his disciples out like sheep among wolves. Imagine a sheep surrounded by hungry wolves. That sheep needs a shepherd! As followers of Jesus, we may be teased, left out, or treated differently because of our faith. Sometimes those challenges may even come from people we know and love.
The good news is that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He loved us so much that he gave his life for us, paying for all our sins—including the times we’ve been afraid to follow him. He rose again and continues to watch over and care for us. When we are hurt or discouraged, we can turn to his promises, knowing that he is working all things for our eternal good. He may not take away every hard thing, but he will never leave us to face it alone. We can also pray for those who don’t know Jesus, asking God to bring them to faith.
God has also given us another wonderful gift, our Christian family and friends. Who helps you learn about Jesus? A parent, grandparent, teacher, pastor, or friend? Thank God for them! The fact that you are reading this devotion with your family shows that they care about your faith. Each time you gather with your church family, God strengthens you through his Word and surrounds you with fellow believers who encourage you. What a blessing it is to know we never follow Jesus alone! Jesus never promised that following him would always be easy. But he does promise, “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). We don’t earn heaven by being brave. Jesus has already paid for our salvation. Through his Word, he strengthens us to keep trusting him.
When following Jesus feels lonely, remember: your Good Shepherd is beside you. He will bring you safely home to heaven. With Jesus, you are never alone!
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for being our Good Shepherd. Forgive us when fear keeps us from following you. When it is hard to follow you, remind us that you are always with us. Strengthen our faith through your Word and thank you for the people who help us trust you. Keep us close to you until we live with you forever in heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What are some things that make you scared?
- Who is always with you even during hard times?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Has it ever been hard to do what is right because of what others might think?
- Who are people in your life that help encourage you in your faith? How could you thank one of them?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How could you show Jesus’ love to someone who makes fun of your faith? When might you need help from a trusted adult?
- How does knowing that, through faith in Jesus, your place in heaven is certain give you the courage to face challenges as a Christian?
