Be Prepared

N.T.#111 "Be Prepared"

July 17, 2023

Matthew 10-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, sent out His disciples and told them what to expect in the world:

• They were going as sheep among wolves. Wolves attack sheep in order to devour them. Wolves are aggressive, vicious, cunning, unafraid, and ravenous. 
• He told them to be wise (discreet; a cautious character) as serpents and harmless (innocent) as doves. The devil/serpent had shrewdness and intellectual keenness. (Gen. 3:1) Believers are to remain gentle in their tone, gracious in their responses, and disarming in their charm, even in the midst of wolves. 
• Jesus warned the men about religious persecution (verse 17), governmental persecution (verses 18-20), and domestic, cultural persecution (verses 21-31)
  

Jesus popped the disciples' idealistic balloon. It is rough out there when you try to share the Gospel, which requires admitting you are a sinner.

 

LET IT GROW

The religious backlash would take place in religious instruction and worship. At that time, it was the local Jewish courts connected with the synagogues-the councils and Sanhedrin. When it came to religious matters, the Roman Empire was limited in their control over matters. So the 12 preached and ministered in the name of Jesus among their fellow Jews. (verse 6)

They were to expect being arrested and drug into the religious courts, trying them for heresy and blasphemy, then punished severely. Also, Paul and the early Christians went through those experiences, as well as the disciples.

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Matthew]

Are we prepared to tell the truth and endure the harsh treatment in doing so?

LET IT GO

Praise to Christ Jesus, the Savior of the world and our souls.