Musing – Who was Jesus Talking to in Matthew 10?

 

Hebraic Musing – Who was Jesus Talking to in Matthew 10?

Was Jesus talking to others in the church, or was He talking to you?  He said “ I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.  On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.” Matthew 10:16-18 NIV  
- Who is doing the sending?  Jesus himself!     And who is He sending?  YOU (not some other person)
- What can you expect?   You will be like “Sheep among wolves” so be shrewd and innocent and be on guard.
- What will happen?  You WILL BE arrested, beaten and brought before the authorities.
- Why?  To be a witness to the non-believers.   Why?  Jesus said so, but there’s more…!
- But when that happens, how am I to respond?  Jesus anticipated your question.  “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”  Matt.10:19-20  Jesus did not say “if” they arrest you; He said “When.”  And He told us to worry not.  Then Jesus made an important promise – “you will be given what to say” by the Holy Spirit.  Be patient because we know God is never early, nor is He ever late; He’s always Just In Time.  God invented JIT!
- Is this designed to “make friends”?   The world tells us to make friends; but Jesus’ priority is to get souls into His Kingdom.  In fact Jesus knows that making friends is not the priority and says so.  “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.  All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Mt.10:21-22   Yes, Jesus did make it clear that “ALL men will hate you because of me.”  These are harsh words. 
- How important is your comfortable life on earth compared with eternal salvation for your neighbors whom you are commanded to love?  This challenge to our worldly lifestyle required Jesus to put it in perspective.  “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Mt.10:28   Let’s keep our devotion to our LORD and Savior Jesus in perspective; There ain’t nothing more important.  We like to preach love and peace, but Jesus reminds us “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”  Mt.10:34  
- Where else do we hear of Jesus and a sword?  “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” Hebrews 4:12

- Why is this message becoming more important recently?   The Progressive agenda in America is attacking our rights to Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness.  Churches are under attack methodically right out of the Marxist playbook.  Churches in America gave their right to operate to the IRS years ago (i.e. 501c3 tax deductibility) and now our government is exercising control.  If you don’t believe this, how have our church fellowships been affected by “Executive Orders” recently?  We pray for a Great Awakening so America can get back to God; BUT what if that does not happen?  What if the nation’s ungodly ways persist and churches and Christianity face serious persecution? 

Believe It or Not – Recent Barna survey claims less than half of Christians “have heard of the Great Commission,” and furthermore, only 17% of “Christians” know what it means! 

Points to ponder

How many people do we encounter who are destined to Hell?

What’s the most loving thing you can do for your neighbor?

It’s about winning souls for God’s Kingdom; it’s not about winning arguments or making friends.

Are we prepared to stand for righteousness WHEN (not if) persecution comes?

Are you prepared to open your home as a House Church for fellowship survival if necessary?

Christians, what are you afraid of?  

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”  Matt.9:37  NIV

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      April 6, 2021
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings”  insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/