Matthew 10:16-33
Q.1. How did Jesus prepare the Twelve for their mission? Does this also apply to His future followers? When will His commission be withdrawn? – (Mt.10:16-23)
Jesus did not promise His followers resounding success. In fact, most of His instructions were geared to prepare them for trouble, and even martyrdom. He used some features of animals to describe their mission. (i) – they would be like lambs in the midst of wolves. (ii) They were to be as docile and innocent as doves. (iii) They should also be as shrewd as serpents (Mt.10:16). Their allegiance to Christ would be so radical that it would bring persecution from the ruling classes and the religious leaders. However, they were to use this – … as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles (Mt.10:18). History shows that God’s work was built on the blood of the saints. Opposition was assured, even from family members. However, they were not to be fazed by such trials – 19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. 20 For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you (Mt.10:19-20). Jesus clearly included us today, for He warned – You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved (Mt.10:22). We are to maintain this witness – until the Son of Man comes (Mt.10:23).
Q.2. What difference should Christ’s example make? When will the persecution of believers be vindicated? Whom should we fear most? How much does God care? – (Mt.10:24-31)
Jesus stated the obvious truth regarding mentoring – 24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master … (Mt.10:24-25). This truth embodies the general point of discipleship. Here Jesus applied it more to suffering the insults from others … they had treated the perfect Son of God that way. (Mt.10:25). He affirmed that we too should be true to the end, when everything will be revealed – Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed or hidden that will not be known (Mt.10:26). It is liberating to know that God’s judgment will bring vindication and justice, so – What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops (Mt.10:27 c.f. 2 Thes.1:4-8).
Some may conclude that God doesn’t care for His own if He allows them to be mistreated or even murdered. However, Jesus reminded His followers that since God cares what happens to the sparrows and keeps count of all the hairs of our head, we have no reason to fear, since – … you are more valuable than many sparrows (Mt.10:31). There is only One Whom we should fear – Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Mt.10:28). Death is not the end. There is something infinitely worse if we reject the offer of God’s help and salvation.
Q.3. How did Jesus encourage His followers to confess that they belonged to Him? What is the implication for Christ-deniers? – (Mt.10:32-33. Does it pay to remain true to God?
Jesus promised that – everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven (Mt.10:32). As Esther Kerr Rusthoi wrote – It will be worth it all – When we see Jesus. Earth’s trials will seem so small – When we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face – All sorrows will erase. So bravely run the race – Till we see Christ! How different it will be for Christ-deniers. Jesus will deny that they belong to Him, in the presence of the Father in Heaven (Mt.10:33).