Religious Opposition to Christ’s Followers
March 11, 2022
Commentary
Jesus spelled out that living for Him would not be easy and that it would be like sheep living among wolves (v. 16). The words of the Lord had application in His own lifetime and was certainly demonstrated in the lives of the Apostles after Jesus had ascended into heaven. It seems that the period described here closely parallels the time of tribulation He describes in (Matt 24-25). The Tribulation Period will be a time of opposition. This opposition will come from organized religion (v. 17), government (v. 18) and even from family members (v. 21).
Church history reveals that “organized religion” has often opposed those who have dared to witness boldly for the Lord. When they arrest you don’t worry about it because the Father will tell you what to say (vv. 19-20). Then he says that one of the marks of the end times will be the lack of family love and loyalty (I Tim. 3:3). The three institutions which God established on this earth, in the last days, will oppose the truth of His word. Everyone will hate you because of me (v. 22). When people mistreat you in one town move to another (v. 23). Don’t worry because the Son of Man will come.
Jesus reminded the apostles that He was not asking them to do something that He Himself had not already experienced. Since men persecuted Jesus while He was on earth, why should we expect anything different (vv. 24-25)? He told them that they did not need to fear the religious leaders. All that men can do is kill the body but God is able to destroy both body and soul. Don’t be afraid of anyone (v. 26). Tell others about me (v. 27). Don’t be afraid of people but fear God (v. 28). God knows when a sparrow falls to the ground (v. 29) and even the hairs of your head are numbered (v. 30) so don’t be afraid you are worth more than sparrows (v. 31).
Application
How has Christ’s teaching united my family? Divided them? Have I ever received any persecution from religious leaders, government officials or family members?
Matthew 10:16– 31 (NET)
16 “I am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of people, because they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 And you will be brought before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them and to the Gentiles. 19 Whenever they hand you over for trial, do not worry about how to speak or what to say, for what you should say will be given to you at that time. 20 For it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
21 “Brother will hand over brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 22 And you will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved! 23 Whenever they persecute you in one town, flee to another! I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “A disciple is not greater than his teacher, nor a slave greater than his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house ‘Beelzebul,’ how much worse will they call the members of his household!
26 “Do not be afraid of them, for nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing is secret that will not be made known. 27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light, and what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 Even all the hairs on your head are numbered. 31 So do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
Illustration: The Great Difference
“There is a great difference between your religion and mine,” said a Christian to his neighbor. “Indeed!” was the reply. “What is that?"
“It is this: Yours has only two letters in it, while mine has four."
“What do you mean?” said he.
“Well, yours has ‘DO’. Mine has ‘DONE. (Source Unknown).