Matthew 10:22 – July 9, 2020

You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22 NABRE           

Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the persecution that is ahead of them when they share the message of the gospel. He tells them He is sending them like sheep among wolves, they will face hostility and Jesus paints an image of vulnerability and helplessness from fierce attackers. But Jesus doesn’t want His disciples to be afraid of their attackers. They must still proclaim the gospel. It might be tempting to stop preaching or to soften the message in order to make things easier and find protection for themselves, but Jesus doesn’t want them to do either. They will be hated because of Jesus’ name. He has told them the Spirit will speak through them, giving them the words they need. But this will not keep them from being opposed. They will be opposed even from inside their own families, children will turn on their own parents. So there will not be any place in society that they will be free from hatred and opposition. Jesus says they will be hated by all. But those who endure will be saved.

We may not completely understand this today, the word of Jesus’ is very familiar. But we do hear preachers who are focused on reaching the lost and they don’t speak of the harsh and dangerous difficulties being a follower of Jesus. Jesus’ central message is giving your life for others. We are called to give everything for the message. Often this challenge can be watered down so people see Jesus as a lover of everyone and a merciful judge. We don’t always hear from preachers who speak as though they are opposed by all. When we do hear this kind of preacher we tend to discount them as extreme.

Have you been opposed in Jesus’ name? Have you been challenged by family members?

Jesus' central message is giving your life for others. We are called to give everything for the message. Often this challenge can be watered down so people see Jesus as a lover of everyone and a merciful judge. Click To Tweet

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