Matthew - Week 28

Enduring Hatred 

READ 

Matthew 10:21-23 

21 “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. 22 And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.” 

Jesus told the disciples what would happen to them as they went to the nation of Israel as His personal representatives. The comment in verse 22 about the one who “endures to the end,” seems to be a reference to the evidence of a true believer. The same expression is used in Matthew 24:13 where it seems to be referring to the end of the seven-year Tribulation. The Second Advent of Jesus to earth is referred to in Matthew 10:23. This passage refers to both near events and distant ones, as is frequently done in prophetic statements.  

REFLECT 

Consider what the disciples thought as Jesus was telling them what would happen to them as they went to the nation of Israel. 

RESPOND 

Read John 6:31-33 to see what Jesus told all believers. They are to look to Him as the model of the one who overcame the world.  

Setting Expectations 

READ 

Matthew 10:24-25 

24 “Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. 25 Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!” 

Jesus knew what the disciples might be thinking as He told them of the persecution they would face. They should not expect to be treated better than their leader. He referred to Himself as their “teacher” and “master of the household.” Because He had been falsely accused, they should not expect better. In fact, He expected they would be called even worse names. 

REFLECT 

If you have been mistreated for your Christian testimony, do you think about Jesus who endured so much for you and even gave His life on the cross for you? 

RESPOND 

With a friend, read John 13:15-17 that parallels what Jesus was telling His disciples in Matthew 10. Think about these passages and what some are enduring even today for their Christian testimony—and what many more Christians may face in the future by standing for biblical values. 

A Day of Revelations 

READ 

Matthew 10:26-27 

26 “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 27 What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!” 

Jesus reminded His disciples before He sent them out that they would be threatened and persecuted. He assured them that all this was temporary but someday everything would be known. He wanted them to widely and loudly proclaim everything He was telling them. They had followed Him and had received many instructions; now it was time for them to proclaim truths about the Messiah (Christ) who had come. They were to announce that the kingdom of heaven is near. 

REFLECT 

No matter the difficulties you are enduring now, remember that they are all temporary in contrast to eternity when believers will be with Jesus. 

RESPOND 

Encourage a fellow believer by reading 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. Pray for others who ae going through difficult times.  

Sparrows and Souls 

READ 

Matthew 10:28-31 

28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” 

Jesus contrasted the temporal with the eternal when He told the disciples what to be the most concerned about. Believers in Jesus may have their bodies killed, but those who need to fear God are those who reject Him and can have both their souls and bodies destroyed in hell. The word for “hell” here is gehenna and refers to the final destiny of all the unsaved. Jesus also wanted His disciples to think about their true worth to God. 

REFLECT 

Does this passage of Scripture encourage you as you think how precious every believer is to God? 

RESPOND 

For the final destiny of unbelievers, read Revelation 20:11-15 where gehenna is referred to as the “lake of fire.” 

Acknowledgments 

READ 

Matthew 10:32-33 

32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” 

Jesus said these words after telling the disciples they would be persecuted for their message representing Him. He wanted them to stand strong and be willing to admit they were followers of Christ, the Messiah, who was offering the kingdom to Israel if the nation would only believe and accept Him as the King. 

REFLECT 

These may seem like hard words, but think of the reward of Jesus acknowledging believers before His heavenly Father in heaven. 

RESPOND 

Jesus’ words are similar to what the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:11-13. How wonderful to know that even if believers deny Jesus, He will always remain faithful.