A Warning From Jesus

Matthew 10:16-33

It’s always good to be warned ahead of time of what’s coming ahead.  When we’re driving, often we’ll see signs that warn of a rough road for the next several miles.  That’s good to know in case we want to take another route.  When checking out vacation spots, it’s good to be warned ahead of time what to expect at a certain destination.  Is it a place for the strong and hearty outdoor camper, or a place with nice hotels and room service?  Most people appreciate the long-term weather forecast if they are planning outdoor activities.  Will it rain on the day of the backyard barbecue?  We like to be warned ahead of time of many things, so we can be prepared.  In our Scripture passage from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells His disciples what will be coming ahead for them.  He is preparing them, and us, for the type of treatment to expect from the enemies of the Gospel, so we will not be taken by surprise when it happens.

As our passage opens, Jesus is talking to His disciples, and giving them a warning.  Sometimes Christians believe that once they are saved, everything will go smoothly for the rest of their lives.  Some false teachers, especially those aligned with the “prosperity gospel”, promote this teaching.  However, that is not what Jesus is teaching us here.  He is warning us ahead of time that persecutions are coming for the believer.

We are called to be on high alert with people who wish to deter us from keeping our focus on serving God (vs. 16-18).  We must be careful from being led into schemes of the devil and those who would harm us.  Jesus warns us to be wise and alert.  A serpent is always alert and aware of his surroundings.  Jesus wants us to be alert like a serpent, but not harmful like them.  We are to be peaceful and harmless to others, just like a dove.  Jesus instructs us to not be naive and ignorant in our attitude with the enemies of God, but sensible and prudent.  We are not to be gullible pawns, but also not deceitful with others.  Use God’s wisdom and keep our hearts and minds on guard against the temptations and tricks of the devil.

Living for God will bring persecution (vs. 17-18).  Sometimes it may be from godless governments. At times it may be from our employers or our neighbors.  We may find persecution from members of our own family or friends, and even from those who make a claim of following God.  Just having a strong faith will not shield us from persecution, or even death, as the martyrs can testify (vs. 21-22).  Following Jesus will not necessarily make relationships better.  Often it can become a source of contention.  Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would give us the words and guide our speech for how to answer those who oppose us (vs. 19-20).  We don’t need to be anxious or worried about that, but we should be prepared.

If we are followers of Jesus, and have a consistent Christ-like walk and behavior, we must expect to experience, not only God’s blessings, but also persecution and rejection.  Our testimony will be scrutinized and criticized.  People will not act more peacefully towards us the more Christ-like we are.  Since they referred to Jesus as Satan, how would you expect they will act towards us? (vs. 25).  Good is sometimes labeled evil.  If Jesus, who is perfect, was called evil, His followers should expect similar accusations.  The more we act like Jesus, the more hated we will be by His enemies.  A true Christian will not be the world’s favorite, nor should we expect to receive it’s applause.

As Jesus gives us these warnings of what persecutions we may face, He also tells us that God is most assuredly watching over us, and cares for us.  God is aware of everything, even the sparrows.  We are more valuable to Him than the sparrows, as He sent His Son to die for us (vs. 29-31).  God cares about each of us individually, even numbering our hairs.  We are important to Him.  We need never fear threats or trials.  Our enemies can only take our physical life.  They cannot take away our eternal life with Jesus, nor our rewards (vs. 28).

As believers, we are called to be witnesses for God.  We must be willing, ready, and not ashamed to let the world know (vs. 32-33).  Don’t be ashamed to acknowledge that you belong to Jesus, and are His follower.