Matthew 10:39

He that findeth. That is, he who sets out to secure and to enjoy those things that, from a human point of view, are essential to happiness and contentment. The prodigal son thought by leaving home to “find” real life (see Luke 15:12, 13), but when through bitter experience and solemn reflection he came to view the things of life in their true perspective, he arose and returned to his father (Luke 15:17-20). Those who think to “find” life by living for the things this world has to offer are laboring “for the meat which perisheth” (see on John 6:27). The principle here recorded was repeated by Christ on more than one occasion (Matt. 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24; Luke 17:33; John 12:25).

Life. Gr. psuche (see on v. 28).

Lose it. One who reaches forth the hand to grasp the baubles of life usually finds that they vanish like bubbles in the hand of a child.

He that loseth. That is, he who is willing to forgo the pleasure and rewards this world has to offer, “choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (Heb. 11:25). Such a one has a true sense of values. Like Paul, he is willing to lose everything this life has to offer in exchange for the supreme advantage of knowing Jesus Christ and sharing with Him in His sufferings (see Phil. 3:8, 10).

For my sake. See on v. 18.

Shall find it. Only when a grain of wheat is buried in the ground and dies can it give birth to new life (see on John 12:24, 25). Only when self is buried in the furrow of the world’s need does man discover the true purpose of his existence.