By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
LOYALTY TESTED
Matthew 10:16–20, 26–34
Matthew 10 records the disciples’ first independent ministry assignment. Jesus gave them specific direction — a limited audience, a clear message and a ministry itinerary. Like today’s believers learning to share the plan of salvation or their personal testimony for the first time, the disciples were entrusted to communicate the words of Jesus to a familiar group of people.
The disciples were to seek out Jews on this trip, avoiding Gentile thoroughfares and roads traveled by Samaritans. They were not yet ready for those conversations. Jews were eager to talk about the Messiah, but Gentile and Samaritan interactions could lead to rabbit trails that the disciples were not yet prepared for. This was their first recorded independent ministry experience.
Snakes and Doves (16–20)
The Lord Jesus warned His disciples that difficult circumstances awaited them. To prepare them, He told them to be sheep among wolves with a serpent’s shrewdness and a dove’s innocence. In the days to come, they would reflect the meekness of the Master as they faced public ridicule from religious and political leaders. In fact, they would surrender their lives for their faith in Jesus.
Jesus informed them that the Holy Spirit would provide the words for them to say. Does that mean we should not prepare for evangelism and apologetics? “The mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart” (12:34).
When Peter preached at Pentecost, Stephen at the temple, Philip on the road to Gaza and Paul at Pisidian Antioch, each man communicated the words of his reasoned faith from the overflow of his regenerated heart shaped by the Scriptures and guided by the Holy Spirit.
Sparrows and Hair (26–31)
In the first century, a follower of Jesus was targeted by both Jews and Romans as threats to the status quo. The Master’s following was growing, but so were the number of groups suspicious of His teachings. Jesus warned His disciples not to allow fear to distract them from their mission.
The Father is well aware of the details of your life, including the number of hairs on your head or the threats upon your life. Jesus taught that God values each of us more than sparrows sold in the marketplace.
In the 21st century, Baptists in the Bible Belt have little fear of persecution for confessing Christ. Our Christian brothers and sisters around the world face all kinds of threats for following Jesus — accusation, arrest, death, disinheritance, divorce or eviction, to name just a few.
Peace and Swords (32–34)
Some groups that claim Christian faith teach that once a person trusts in Jesus, the believer will live in peace without conflict. This does not align with creation. God separates light from darkness, day from night, waters above from waters below, waters from dry land, flora from fauna and humanity from all other creatures. God who creates also separates.
To side with truth is to wage war against falsehood. To live in the light is to overcome darkness. To embrace life is to stop fearing death. To side with the One who is “holy, holy, holy” is to reject wickedness.
Jesus brought a sword. He explained that a relationship with Him is the highest priority, even over family members. Three times in the verses that follow this passage, Jesus refers to priorities that make people “not worthy of Me.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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