Matthew 10:16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 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.”
Whoa, Jesus! What’s going on? You were giving out instructions for short – term ministry that sounded pretty promising. Now all of a sudden, you’re handing out warnings! Why?
Jesus always had eternity in mind when he said anything. The disciples were sent out early in Jesus’ ministry before the religious leaders had fully convinced themselves that he was a threat. At that point, the disciples were not in danger; however, later on, they would find themselves facing every situation that Jesus describes here. Not only would Jesus’ original disciples face such trials, but every single Christian since Jesus’ death and resurrection would find themselves in the same predicament. Today Christians in heavily Muslim countries are paying with their lives for their faith, and Jesus’ words are just as important to those Christians today as they were to the original disciples.
Anybody who makes the mistake of thinking that being a Christian gives one a free ride into heaven without suffering is going to be severely disappointed! Later on, Jesus promised his disciples that “In John 16:33 Jesus warned his followers that “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” There’s no such thing as “you might” have trouble. No! Jesus followers are guaranteed problems. But if we are faithful to continue to follow Jesus, we can ask for divine wisdom and divine guidance whenever we are brought before authorities and it will be given to us.
PRAYER: Father God, today Jesus’ words frighten us! We don’t want to find ourselves as innocents being attacked; yet, we know that this might happen. Father, enlighten us. Help us to follow hard after You all the days of our lives and to know that your promises are true. In the mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.
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