Persecution Comes: Not a cakewalk:

Context:

- there's lots of work to be done.

- laborers are to go out proclaiming the Kingdom.

- they are to heal, resurrect, cleanse, and cast out demons.

- they aren't to be self sufficient.

- they may or not be welcomed.

Matthew 10:16-18 “...Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles..."

Is being a sheep in the midst of wolves something a person would normally choose?

- most prefer to stay safe, which is why the laborers are few.

Why are both wisdom and innocence necessary?

- wisdom provides safety in the midst of a dangerous world.

- innocence prevents a person from adding to the present danger and chaos.

- having both increases safety while avoiding unnecessary provocation.

What did Jesus know was in store for His disciples?

- the same thing that was in store for Him.

- beaten and dragged before the world's authorities.

What wonderful opportunity would be available within the danger?

- the same thing that was in store for Jesus.

- the opportunity to bear witness to the good intentions of God.

Matthew 10:19-20 "...When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you..."

Are we prepared to face hostile authorities?

What is the difference between If and When?

- Jesus wasn't preparing them for If, but for When they faced hostile authorities.

What would be your biggest concern when facing this situation?

- outcome? personal safety? ability to talk yourself out of trouble?

What would be your biggest need when facing this situation?

- ability to say what the Father wanted.

How would this need be met?

- by the Holy Spirit doing the talking.

Matthew 10:21-23 "...Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes..."

Who causes the laborers to be dragged before the world's authorities?

- brothers, fathers, children.

- the very people who should be trustworthy.

Why is endurance needed?

- the events aren't pleasant.

- the end result is worth the pain and struggle.

What is the end result?

- salvation.

Matthew 10:24-25 “...A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household..."

What can disciples of Christ expect as they labor to carry on the work of Christ?

- the same treatment that Christ received.