Followers of Jesus have the best possible news the world can hear. Some people gladly receive our message, but others fiercely oppose it.
Jesus warns his followers that opposition will come and he gives us ways to respond to it.
“I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
“Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the gentiles.
“When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
“Sibling will betray sibling to death and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all because of my name.
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
“When they persecute you in this town, flee to the next, for truly I tell you, you will not have finished going through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes” (Matthew 10.16-23).
Jesus alternates his warning about coming persecution with ways to react to it.
(1) Wolves are a very real threat to sheep. What are we to do when the wolves encircle us?
Jesus counsels us to be as wise as the proverbial serpent. With another image, he tells us to be as harmless as a dove.
One of my seminary professors was talking to our class about forgiveness. I’ll never forget his comment. He said, “You can forgive somebody, but that doesn’t mean you have to give them your wallet or trust them near your wife.”
That is a picture of being as harmless as a dove, but at the same time, being as wise as a serpent.
(2) In his teachings, Jesus anticipated the possibility of his followers facing persecution from authorities. The Apostle Paul echoed this concern when writing to the Corinthians.
Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Let Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3).
Paul addressed the situation of a Christian undergoing torture and being pressured to deny Jesus. He emphasized that only through the power of the Holy Spirit could one endure such a trial.
The benefit of recognizing the potential for oppression lies in how we conduct our daily lives. By cultivating a close relationship with the Holy Spirit, we equip ourselves to receive His guidance and strength when faced with difficult choices.
(3) Jesus predicted that even families would be divided by faith, urging his followers to endure such trials. The word “endure” pictures the strength to remain under a heavy burden.
This concept applies to navigating family stress arising from differences in belief. We must persevere through the difficulty, for Jesus promised ultimate salvation.
Additionally, our unwavering faith may even become the catalyst that leads our loved ones to Christ.
(4) While Jesus encouraged perseverance in challenging situations, fleeing to safety was not forbidden. He understood the importance of self-preservation.
The reference to the Son of Man’s return might have initially alluded to the impending destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by the Romans. However, the broader interpretation refers to Christ’s eventual return at the end of time.
One man who had suffered serious opposition turned to the Lord and half-jokingly said, “Lord, if this is the way you treat your friends, I’m surprised you have any at all.”
The truth is, we have the great privilege of walking with Jesus, but we also are going to endure some opposition from those who refuse to follow Him.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 