Matthew 10:21-42

The Wrath To Come

As we overhear Jesus giving instructions to those whom He is sending out (See Matthew 10:1-4) the context changes. Beginning in vs 16 Jesus is speaking more broadly about the task of taking the message of Jesus to the broader, Gentile world.

Yes, there would be persecution from among Jewish communities: see 14-15.

As Jesus’ message expands from the primarily Jewish community to the world at large, what those who carry the message can expect will be radically different.

Remember John the Baptist’s warning when he began challenging people about the in-breaking Kingdom of God: “ Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” (Luke 3:7, HCSB)

The expression and expansion of the kingdom of God will not occur without conflict.

We are blessed to have lived most of our lives in a community that, while not openly Christian, is not openly opposed to the followers of Jesus. We need to remember: our experiences are the exception, not the rule.

Jesus’ instructions and counsel in this passage contain some timeless truths that we would do well to remember as we engage in kingdom expansion.

Jesus is coming again vs 21-25

We can leave it to NT scholars to debate an exact time line for Jesus’ return. What those disciples - and by extension us - need is the assurance that even as families turn against them, entire villages seek to silence them, Jesus IS coming again.

As Jesus spoke to His closest followers the night before His betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion, He reminded them that though He was leaving, He was coming back.

““Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1–3, HCSB)

God’s Truth Will Prevail vs 26-31

Four times in this section Jesus uses the word ‘fear.’ Three of those times He says, ‘Don’t be afraid’ vs 26,28,31.

The fourth use of the word, in vs 28, is a reason to fear.

On what basis are we to live fearlessly? Jesus offers three reasons:

a). though seemingly hidden today, God’s truth will emerge vs 26-27

Most people who heard Jesus in person failed to grasp what He was truly talking about. Over the intervening centuries, the gospel has been proclaimed loudly, boldly, and effectively. Yet, many who hear still reman unaffected.

We are to stand firm, unafraid, because God’s truth does not depend on people’s opinions. His truth will be revealed and God’s truth will prevail.

b). “the worst that [men] can do does not match the worst God can do...” vs 26-28

D. . Carson, Matthew in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 8 (Grand Rapids, MI.: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 254.

Another author writes, “The choice is not between courage and fear but between whom one will fear more....”

Keener, C. S. (2009). The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary (pp. 326–327). Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

c). The all encompassing providence of God vs 29-31

In Jesus’ era sparrows were the least expensive food one could purchase. The ‘penny’ or copper coin mentioned was less than one hour’s wages. Yet, God knows of each sparrow’s death, and even knows the number of hairs on our heads.

Regardless of the source of persecution we can stand solidly on the fact: God cares for His own.

Knowing Jesus is Most Precious vs 32-39

Honestly, I’d rather gloss over these verses. Jesus’ words make me extremely uncomfortable. I think that was His intent.

“I did not come to bring peace but a sword...”

There are a couple of images of Jesus that figure prominently in our culture.

First, we see Jesus as an infant in the manger. It’s a beautiful and striking image.

Next we see Jesus among the crowds, teaching, healing, providing food and so on.

Then we see Jesus on the cross - blood flowing, excruciating pain etched in His face.

Finally, we see Jesus in His resurrected glory - dressed in white.

Jesus’ words in vs 34-36 don’t really fit those images. But consider this image of Jesus, shared by John the gospel writer:

“I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven gold lampstands, and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe and with a gold sash wrapped around His chest. His head and hair were white like wool—white as snow —and His eyes like a fiery flame. His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and His voice like the sound of cascading waters. He had seven stars in His right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth, and His face was shining like the sun at midday.” (Revelation 1:12–16, HCSB)

Jesus came as a warrior - His very first public event occured over 40 days in a wilderness where Satan battled Him.

Jesus was not wounded or defeated in that battle. Rather Jesus emerged victorious from that encounter. Every other encounter Jesus had with the enemy, with the adversary ended in the same way: defeat for the enemy and victory for the Son of Man.

The words of Jesus about the priority of family (vs 37-39) are not easy to hear.

These words of Jesus are meant to be hard to hear. As His followers expanded the kingdom well beyond the confines of what was called Palestine, families were disrupted. Relationships were broken.

Jesus knew that those who went out, those who would ‘go’ would g to make very hard decisions.

Nik Ripken, whose life we have referred to many times, has written: “Safety cannot be our primary concern. The goal of life with Jesus is not to remain safe but to sacrifice our lives for a lost world.”

The Insanity of Obedience: Walking With Jesus in Tough Places (Nashville, TN.: B&H Publishing Group, 2014), 299.

Enduring To The End Requires Cooperation vs 40-42

We cannot do this life alone. Following Jesus may cost us our family. Yet we are not alone. Following Jesus may rupture some relationships. Yet, we are not alone. Following Jesus may mean long periods of loneliness. Yet, we are not alone.

We are welcomed by some we’ve never met. We are given a cup of water at just the right moment, or we may offer a cup of water in just the nick of time.

CONCLUSION

There is a battle raging - and sadly, many believers either ignore it or pray it goes away.

The Kingdom of God will meet strong resistance. Yet as Jesus reminds His followers who are being sent into the world, He is more powerful, more sufficient, more of everything we need.

The battle is real, but God’s provision is more than we can ask or imagine.

Let us hear the challenge of Jesus and let us take Him at His word, trusting His resources as we seek to expand His kingdom!