Sheep Among Wolves? Prepare and Persevere
Pre-Deployment Training from Jesus—from Matthew 10:16-25
If someone is willing to insult and abuse the head of the house, how much worse will they treat the maid or cook? Slaves cannot expect to receive higher regard than their masters. Being on mission with Jesus is not just an adventure, it is a call to suffer and possibly die.
In Matthew 10, Jesus is preparing to send His 12 Disciples to testify to Israel. These “Disciples turned Apostles” need to know that will face fierce, and even, deadly opposition. They will endure floggings and fatal betrayals from civic and religious leaders and their own family. Though as sheep among wolves–YIKES!–they are to be prudent, pure, as they fearlessly persevere, fulfilling their mission of testifying of Jesus. To be maligned and mistreated gives these disciples the honor of being like their Teacher. We too have this high, and at times, hurtful calling.
Jesus’ Deployed Disciples, Beware!
Boldly Prepare for Persecution:
Be Prudent and Pure (vs. 16) Shrewd, yet Harmless
Wise and gentle. Not naive or vindictive. (Ephesians 5:15-20)
Just Because You are His (vs. 17-20; cf. John 15:18-25;)
They will give you over to be abused (Acts 7:52-60; 14:22)
But, you bear witness to them of Jesus (Acts 1:7-10; 6, 7)
The Father will give you His message (John 14:25-27; 15: 26, 27)
Despite Betrayal, Hatred, Persevere on Mission (vs.21-23)
Fatal family betrayals; hatred from every quadrant (Acts 7:52-60)
Seek to be like Jesus, Expecting, Accepting Abuse (vs. 24, 25)
If they . . . Him, how much more us? (John 15:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:12)
Suffering because of Him is an honor. (Acts 5:40-42; Philippians 3:10, 11)
Heads Up, All Ye Sent, Faithful Witnesses:
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It’s Enemy Territory. Walk Wise, Gently. Sorry, Forget the Big Stick
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Be Ready to Bear Witness, as You Endure Hostility, Hatred, Death
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Assume the Worst, Behave the Best, Trust His Guidance. Press On!
“For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:21-23 –CSB; cf. 1 Peter 3:14-18; 4:1-19; 5:6-11)
