Matthew 10:16-42

About the Text

(17) Why does Jesus mean about being handed over to "councils" and synagogues"? At the time of Roman empire, the Romans allowed the Jews to exercise their own civil law. That is, the Jewish religious councils and the gathering of religious men were allowed to try, condemn, and execute punishment, even for religious crimes. Although there were some limitations as to what they could inflict, the councils and synagogues were nevertheless able to inflict much pain and harm to Christians at that time.

(20) How does the Spirit speak through us? When we need to defend our faith, or tell others about Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit gives us greater boldness, conviction, and clarity in our speech. Sec Acts 4:8-13, and 1 Cor. 2:1-5.

(21) Why does Jesus say that "brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child"? He means that the persecution of Christians can occur even within the family.
But what about the commandment, "Honor your father and mother" and Paul's command, "Wives, submit to your husbands" ~ph. 5:22)? We are certainly to obey our parents, and submit to our spouses, but our primary loyalty goes to Christ fnst. If our parents command us to lie and steal, we must not obey them, but instead obey Christ by being honest. But if our parents command us to work diligently and stay out of drugs, we must obey them. But what about unbelieving parents or spouses who forbid us to attend church services and to get involved in church activities? To this, Jesus commands, "be shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves" (v.16). In other words, do what is necessary to win their permission and cooperation, while still seeking to follow Jesus Christ if they do not permit you to attend services, then perhaps you could get them to agree to your attending services once a month, while the congregation prays for you each week, and gives you tapes of the services each week for you to listen to at home. In this way, you would be seeking to follow Christ, yet honoring your parents.
(25) Who is "Beelzebub"? This is name refers to the prince of demons. See Matt. 12:24. The meaning of this verse, is that if the opponents of Jesus Christ will call Him evil, or a devil, or a demon, then they will also call believers by those names.

(2~27) What did Jesus mean by "there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed..."? These two verses simply mean that everything that God reveals to us in His Word, the Bible, is to be told to the world. Hold nothing back.

(32) If Christ is called the "Prince of Peace" (15aiah 9:6), then why does He say that He did not come to bring peace on earth? Because any lasting peace on earth will not happen until Christ comes back (see Rev. 21). In the meantime, Christ gives us an inner peace, and a peace with God (see John 14:27).

(38) If Christ calls us to "take our cross and follow Him," then would we lose our salvation if we sometimes fail to follow Him in every way? No. The Bible is clear that we would never reach perfection before the day we die (see Phil 1:6, Rom 7:14-20, 1 John 1:8).
Then why does Christ seem to require so much of us before we can be called "Christians"? Aren't we called "Christians" simply by believing in Jesus Christ? Yes, we are certainly justified (made righteous and clean before God) through faith alone. Yet a genuine faith results in a true desire to become like Christ. Those who truly believe in all that Christ did and claimed to be, would want nothing more than to please God with our lives. In other words, our love for Christ is the fruit, never the root, of our salvation.

Memory Verses

"...and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever fmds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 10:38-39)

Insights

The Bottom Line

Don't be afraid. When you believe in Jesus Christ and do the work of the Lord, (e.g. helping the poor, telling others about Christ) Jesus is always there to help and protect you.
Are you afraid to wholeheartedly follow Jesus Christ? Christ so loved us that He endured crucifixion on a cross, so that we wouldn't have to endure the punishment that we sinners deserved. He earned for us what we longed for: salvation, gifts of the Holy Spirlt, a new life, etc. if you are so convinced of God's love for you, then don't be afraid to step out in faith and make a commitment to Christ.

Dear Jesus, thank you for saving me and giving me new life. Now, out of my gratitude, I offer my life to you. Although the world may persecute me, or my family forsake me, I will follow you all the days of my life. I will go where you want me to go, do what you want me to do, speak what you want me to speak Take me, I'm Yours.