“When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Matthew 10:19-20 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.10.19-20.NLT
The 10th chapter of Matthew recounts the specific message, authority, and instructions the 12 disciples will need as they travel throughout Israel, sharing the coming of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ.
Reflection
Part 1 looked at the message and authority Christ gave the disciples.
Part 2 focused on the instructions Jesus gave the disciples.
Part 3 offers practical, realistic guidance on dealing with the opposition the disciples are sure to face.
Reflection
- There will be opposition and danger along the way: Jesus speaks to this issue in several layers:
- This is a dangerous assignment. Be careful: “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware!
- You will be arrested, tortured, and stand trial (this is your opportunity): For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me.
- Don’t worry about what to say during these times: When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
- Some of your own family may turn on you: “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed.
- Governments all around the world will hate you: “And all nations will hate you because you are my followers.
- Endure, don’t give up, and be saved: But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.
- Flee when you are persecuted: When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next.
- This isn’t just a local missions trip, it is a mission for all your life: I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.” Matthew 10:16-23 NLT.
- Don’t think for a minute this will not happen to you: “Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!” Matthew 10:24-25 NLT. What Jesus has experienced will be a part of their experience.
The disciples are sure to experience opposition. Part 4 will deal with fear, commitment, and love.
Encouragement
Jesus wants us to know that following him does come with opposition. Sometimes it comes from our closest family relationships. Other times, there will be persecution by those seeking to gain power over us.
We should not be deceived into thinking we will escape ridicule, persecution, and suffering. We will not, for the simple reason that Jesus did not. He is our Lord and Savior.
In all of it, Christ invites us to see this opposition as an opportunity.
It is the opportunity to share the love of Christ with others in those exact moments.
We do not have to worry about what to say. The Holy Spirit will guide us in this.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
None of us, me included, likes opposition.
You are noticeably clear about this issue; it will be part of our journey in following you and sharing your story with the world.
You encourage us to embrace it as an opportunity to share your love with those who are persecuting us.
Holy Spirit, please help us with the words to say in those moments. Hill us with the love and heart of Christ,
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell