Matthew 10 Part 2

Did you ever buy anything? Sure you have, we all buy stuff. Most things we buy these days have an instruction packet with them. Even a can of soup has the heating instructions on the side. Ever buy a gadget of any kind? Notice the instruction book? Well this was no different. Once Jesus gathered the Disciples and gave them the tools they would need he then gave them some instructions. The tells them…

• 16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

As we go out, there will be wolves, people that will not hold back, that will not pull their punches and that would look to tear us down because of our beliefs. We cannot afford to be sheep like but instead need to be sensible and prudent. We are not to be pushovers but also not to be deceitful. We have to find that balance and be able to teach gently and with compassion.

He continues and tells them...

• 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.

• 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

• 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,

• 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Here is another moment where I would have been like HOLD UP, Say that again? He was telling them that they would be arrested. And it happened. He was telling them that they would be flogged and handed over to the authorities. But he said, when it does happen and they call on you to give an account, don't worry about what to say, it will be the holy spirit speaking through you, to give you the words you need. To give you the support and strength to endure.

• 21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.

This verse is best summed up by the Message version, "When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. That goes to show you how powerful the message is.

• 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

• 23 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.

Hated! Man that's a strong word. But they and also we are reassured that if we stand firm in what we believe that Jesus will be there for us.

• 24 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.

• 25 it is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!

• 26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.

They 12 were going out and they had seen how Jesus had been treated so they knew to expect the same.

• 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.

• 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

• 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care.

• 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

• 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Basically, don't worry about what man would say about you or what man would do to you. It is better to focus on what God is calling you to do and be. You are worth more than anything here on this earth to Him.

Wow. A lot of stuff in there. Join me next week when we wrap up Matthew 10. We now have the tools and the instructions, but just like all those gadgets, there is also a warning. Until next week…

Press on fight the good fight as a Soldier for Christ.