Matthew 10:16-20,26-34

“Loyalty Tested ”

Have you ever been sent to do something and uncertain as to what you would face? I know I have. I can’t tell you the number calls I’ve received from emergency dispatch at 2am saying that I needed to respond to a domestic situation in the campground or a drunken fight in the picnic area or somebody that had a gun.

If you choose a job in law enforcement and put on a badge it’s not a matter of if you will be called, it’s just a matter of when the call will come. I’m not ashamed to admit it; I’ve said many a prayer going to calls in my forty plus years of service not knowing what I would face.

Whatever the situation is, we are expected to conduct ourselves in a certain manner no matter how the other people act. We are held to a different standard.

Let’s see what God says about how Christians are expected to act when we receive a call from the Lord.

Let’s read Matthew 10:16-20

16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

If we look back at the verses prior to our lesson we’ll see where Jesus called his twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. He sent them out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Now, here in our study verses Jesus clearly warned His disciples that they would face persecution.

Jesus gave them authority to drive out impure spirits, to heal every disease and sickness. They were to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons.

These sound like some wonderful things for them to be doing so why in the world would they face persecution for doing this?

Was it because the disciples were making money or personal gain from doing these miracles? No! Jesus forbid them from taking money when He said, “Freely you have received; freely give”

It was because of the message they were to proclaim…..”The kingdom of heaven has come near”……that they would face persecution.

By proclaiming Heaven is near means that Jesus is from heaven. The twelve disciples were declaring that Jesus is Lord. Not only were they proclaiming it through word but also in deed and power through the miracles they did by the power of the Holy Spirit given to them by Jesus.

Because of their belief in Jesus the lost sheep of Israel, the Jews, the religious people would not accept them or their message and the government would not protect them but instead Governors and kings would notice them – and arrest them, bringing them to trial.

Have you ever been asked to speak in front of a group got anxiety just thinking about it. Did you know that 75% of people have a fear of speaking in front of people? We know Moses had it because of what he said to God…..

Exodus 4:10 Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”

Have you ever said something so stupid that you wished you had never said it? The Apostle Peter did from what is written in Luke 9:33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)So this should be  

Jesus said, “when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

This had to be a great comfort to the disciples so they didn’t have to worry when they gave account for their action.

I share this:  Despite their vulnerable position (sheep sent forth among the wolves), Jesus’ followers were not to defend themselves with worldly forms of power. They were to remain harmless as doves, though wise as serpents. Wisdom would keep them from attracting trouble unnecessarily or show them how to avoid it without compromise. Serpents are attacked by everyone and must use creativity and wisdom to survive.

The power Jesus gave His disciples was limited for the glory of God to show mercy and grace in order to draw people to Him through faith.

Let’s read Matthew 10:26-31

26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Jesus tells His disciples to not fear whoever opposes them because their power is limited. Whereas God’s power is limitless.

I read this:  Jesus was teaching that God providentially controls the timing and circumstance of such insignificant events as the death of a sparrow. Even the number of hairs on our heads is controlled by His sovereign will. In other words, divine providence governs even the smallest details and also even the most mundane matters. God is concerned about even the trivial things in our lives as well as the big problems.

God knows of everything said in private and in public. Therefore, nothing is concealed or hid from Him and He has made the truth known to them. They are to proclaim it from the rooftops without fear because God cares about them.

I share this: Despite facing persecution and opposition for following Jesus, believers should not fear human power because God sees, cares for, and values them more than sparrows, and will ultimately reveal all truth; instead of fearing men, they should fear God, who has ultimate power over soul and body, and be bold in confessing Christ, knowing their ultimate worth is in Him.

Jesus told His disciples in John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Jesus said this to emphasize Himself as the only truth.

Let’s read Matthew 10:32-34

32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. 34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

Jesus is preparing His disciples which will come under trials of persecution.

I share this: Jesus states He did not come to bring peace, but a "sword". This does not mean Jesus promotes violence, but that his message causes deep division, forcing people to choose between following Him or adhering to the world, which can tear apart families and relationships. True discipleship as unashamed loyalty to Jesus, which may cause conflict, but ensures recognition before God.

As Christians, it’s not a matter of if God will call you but when.

In fact all Christians are called in Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

At some point God will call you and me to step up to proclaim His name with our  “Loyalty Tested ”.