The Gospel and the Kingdom - Matthew - Jesus Instructions to Future Disciples

 

TEXT: Matthew 10:16-23 – “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. ¹⁷ But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. ¹⁸ You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. ¹⁹ But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; ²⁰ for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. ²¹ “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. ²² And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. ²³ When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Today we’re continuing our series in Matthew and Jesus is apparently giving instructions to three kinds of Disciples – each living at a different time period. Instructions to:

• ·      To former disciples living in the time He was with them
• ·      To future disciples living during the time of the Great Tribulation
• ·      To faithful disciples living throughout church history.

We are looking at His Instructions to those during the Time of the Great Tribulation. Even though we see many of these things happening today, in the End Times this will intensify beyond what we can imagine today. The forms of persecution happen today in scattered areas. In those days it will be global. We establish this concept from what Jesus says in verse 23 – “before the Son of Man comes.” However, we still can learn from their example today.

Jesus warns that there will be Religious Persecution in verses 16-17. They will be handed over to the courts and be beaten. Why would there be persecution by religious people of the Believers? How many religious concepts are highly intolerant of Jesus and the Christian Faith today?

There will be Political Persecution, Jesus says in verse 18. They will be called before the governors and kings. However, this will give them a chance to witness

There will be Family Persecution (verse 21). Family members will betray each other. This happens too often since the first century, but it will intensify

There will be General Persecution (verse 22-23). Everyone will hate them because of their allegiance to Christ.

However, Jesus gives a glimmer of hope in the midst of the persecutions in verses 19-20. The Holy Spirit will give them the right words to say. Does this mean that they will be released – probably not. But their witness for God will come through strong. I believe that this means that they will be given a special form of Grace to remain strong in the face of what is taking place.

Let us end our time today with two quick takeaways –

1. The world is no friend to Christianity. It is under the control of Satan and his minions – the demons. The Prince of the Power of the Air hates you and me – he hates all who will align with Christ and His Kingdom. And, as he sees his demise coming closer, he will intensify his anger and violence much like a cornered animal would.
2. And we can count on the Holy Spirit to help us, as He will for those in the future. Don’t worry about what to say – trust God to direct you. Our task is to be witnesses, He will guide and direct us – if we let Him.