[379 words]
“But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the courts, and scourge you in their synagogues” (Matthew 10:17). Jesus was sending His disciples out to preach the gospel of Christ telling the people to repent of their sins. He also told them all of the things which they would encounter. When we read this, it seems that it was going to be a very difficult time for them. It is also difficult for us. People would mistreat them. Some will also mistreat us. He tells them they would be brought before governors and kings for a testimony to them. He told them not to worry about what to say. They would be given the message needed at that time.
“Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 10:32-33). They need to tell about Christ to be saved eternally, so do we. Their task was to preach the word which Jesus was giving them. Beginning in verse 24 Jesus explains to the disciple their place. They are to be like their master. They will never be above their master, when they become truly taught then they will be like their master. And verse 27 Jesus explains to them that they are to speak everything even things whispered; they are to speak as from the housetop. Everyone needs to be able to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. He reminds them that they are very valuable. God knows them, even the heirs of their head are all number.
Some of their enemies would be those of their own household. Jesus knew this because His own brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5). We must not be surprised when our own kinfolks do not fully believe in Jesus and obey Him. We still have our duty to stay with Jesus and teach others who will listen. Jesus at this time had directed the apostles to preach to the Jewish people. Today we are commanded to preach to all the world. It is best to begin where we are and preach God’s word.
Wayne Curry
Highland Drive church of Christ
Poplar Bluff, MO