A disciple is not greater than his master

Matthew 10:24-27

a. A disciple will receive same reactions as their master (10:24-25)

b. A disciple must not fear their persecutors (10:26-27)

1. INTRODUCTION

2. BODY

a. A disciple will receive same reactions as their master (10:24-25)

i. Verse 24, it begins with Jesus speaking directly to his followers that was mentioned in 10:5, that he was instructing them before sending them out. We see that the instruction here applies directly to those who will not receive them. These people don’t receive the apostles, because they primarily, did not receive Jesus.

ii. Jesus makes a similar statement in John 15:18-19. Jesus says here that if the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. This applies directly to what Jesus is saying here in Matthew 10:24.

iii. What was interesting to me as I was preparing this message was, how often this verse is used. We use this verse in explaining how the disciple, when taught by his teacher, will become like him. We know this principle is true, and this is true, and yet, the way in which we are to understand this is incorrect.

iv. What you see from Jesus’s teaching here is, Jesus was teaching about a disciple and teacher being similar in the context of suffering and persecution. Remember, Jesus was warning His disciples what they would face (10:1-23). Jesus was teaching them to be shrewd like serpents and innocent as doves (10:16). He was warning them to beware of men, because they will hand them over to the courts and have you scourged (10:17).

v. When you look at what Jesus was talking about, it is speaking directly of persecution and opposition. So when Jesus says this in verse 24, He is telling His disciples that they will face persecution because He has faced persecution and will die because of persecution. This was the direct point of what Jesus was saying in 10:21-23.

vi. It is not wrong to use this verse to say that a disciple will not be above his teacher because the point is true, but this is directly speaking to how a disciple will face persecution and opposition like his teacher. Jesus really brings this point home in verse 25 by stating that if the opponents of Jesus have gone as far to call him Beelzebul, why would the disciples expect to be praised? What Jesus is stating here is that, if the opponents of Jesus have called Him Beelzebul, then certainly His followers will be called servants of Beelzebul or the like. What Jesus is making clear here is that, if He receives persecution, don’t be surprised when you receive persecution.

vii. This is the whole point of 1 Peter 4:12 where Peter mentions to not be surprised by the fiery ordeal among you, literally, an intense degree of painful experience, but here’s the key, “which comes upon you for your testing.” Remember, there’s a difference between a test and temptation. James 1 tells us that God does not tempt, as reference to this verse, He tests us. He tests us here and tells us not to be surprised. But verse 13, as you face this painful experience, as you share the sufferings of Christ, keep rejoicing.

viii. When we read this, this is difficult. It’s hard to keep rejoicing when we face painful experiences. But as Jesus says in Matthew 10:24, we should expect that we will receive the same treatment as our master. So why is this difficult? Well, we’ve been conditioned in America that suffering is not apart of the Christian Walk. Afterall, we hear much preaching in America about how God wants us to prosper and how God will allow us to prosper. This is all true. God does want us to prosper and to succeed. But the main point of all of this is, to prosper through suffering.

ix. The Bible doesn’t just teach wealth and health, but it helps us to learn how to persevere. It teaches us how to go through persecution and failure and hardship by trusting in Him. The whole point of the Christian Walk is to live with Him and trust in Him. It is not to live apart from Him. The joy of the Christian Walk is to live in His presence. It is not to live with wealth and health. It is to enjoy Him. It is to love Him so much that we can overcome everything in this life because of our love for Him.

x. As I was thinking through this, it helps me to understand how big the task is for this teacher. The simple reality is, everyone in this room is a teacher and a disciple. Nobody is always a teacher or always a disciple. We all have opportunities to teach and to learn. What Jesus is telling us here is, how big our influence is in other people’s lives.

xi. As I was thinking of this principle, this idea of a disciple is not above his teacher, it is humbling. I had an incident at the airport as we were going to New Jersey and I was upset and mad at the airport TSA. An alarm went off because of some wipes and we were late for the flight. I went to the gate and some workers from United came with me to TSA and we asked if they could rush, but they ignored us and I said something to them. I asked if I could speak with a supervisor and he came over and said the same thing. Because of this, we missed the flight and we had to reschedule. In the end, everything worked out, but the point of this story is because everything I do in front of my children, they learn from me. Everything I say, the tone in which I speak, the things I communicate, they learn from me. Even when we think they aren’t watching, they learn from us.

xii. This is very scary and yet, humbling because every moment, we are teaching them something. We are teaching them, do I love myself more than what God has said in His word. It took me a while to process this because I was so mad and upset that we missed the flight. But after returning back from the trip, I had time to think about it and repent and ask my children for forgiveness. I had time to ask my wife for forgiveness because my actions were not right.

xiii. But the reason I am saying this is because I want to make it clear that if we act a certain way, we shouldn’t be surprised when our children end up the same way. If we don’t take time to work on our personal holiness, we shouldn’t be surprised when others do the same things to us or act the same way. If I am impatient, our children will be impatient and others will be impatient with us.

b. A disciple must not fear their persecutors (10:26-27)

i. Jesus continues in verse 26, by explaining that even when you face this type of persecution, you should not fear them. This opening in do not fear them tells us that they will face things that will cause them to be afraid. Jesus repeats this idea to not fear here and in verse 31. He repeats this because it informs us that there will be moments when we will fear. The reality is, the Christian walk is fearful.

ii. But Jesus’s point here is, even when people are upset and angry with you, don’t be afraid and keep preaching what you are supposed to. Jesus is teaching His disciples that the job is not merely to not be afraid, but to proclaim boldly in the face of opposition. It’s one thing to not fear and to stay silent. But what Jesus is saying is, when you preach, you will face opposition. When you do face opposition, don’t stay silent. Be bold in your proclamation.

iii. This is an important lesson for all of us as well. The reality of this statement comes from Jesus facing opposition. When you think of Jesus’s ministry, we can imagine there were times where He could be afraid. There were a lot of people who were out to get Him, and yet, He was bold in every situation. He never backed down. He confronted the Pharisees and pointed out their mistakes, and He preached boldly. And when the crowds started to follow Him, He would heal and preach continually even when facing opposition.

iv. This is why Jesus makes that statement that a disciple is not above his teacher because just like Him, they will face opposition and hate. They will be stoned and attacked and ridiculed. But even through that opposition, continue to follow Jesus.

v. Evidently, this is what those we influence will learn from us. Even in these moments, we will be able to teach others how to act. If we understand how critically important it is for us as teachers to teach properly, then we will do a better job at teaching. How do we overcome this fear? As Jesus says in verse 26, everything that is concealed will be revealed and everything that is hidden will be known. Trust in God and do everything in your power to follow what Jesus commands of us.

vi. Jesus continues by saying what you heard in secret, preach from the housetops. Jesus was making it clear to not be afraid of the Gospel message. It will cause others to dislike you. It will cause others to be against you. But even in those moments, don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid to suffer for the cause of Christ. Be bold. Preach.

3. CONCLUSION