The Lord’s words to the apostles concerning their ministry was not very encouraging. Their task would be difficult for they would be like sheep among wolves. It would be essential for them to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves, that is, wise in avoiding danger but harmless in not forcibly opposing the enemy. “Innocent” translates akeraioi (“unmixed, pure”). It is used only twice elsewhere in the New Testament: Romans 16:19 and Philippians 2:15. In carrying out their ministries the apostles would be taken before their own Jewish leaders and flogged and be brought before Roman governors and Herodian kings. But the messengers need not worry, for the Holy Spirit, called here the Spirit of your Father, would give them words to say that would free them from arrest.
Even if the persecutions went to the point of betrayal of family members and extreme hatred, Jesus promised them ultimate deliverance. The apostles were to continue their ministries, moving from place to place. But even though they moved out for the Lord, they would not be able to reach all the cities of Israel before the Son of Man would come.
These words of the Lord probably had an application beyond His own lifetime. What was proclaimed here was more fully demonstrated in the apostles’ lives after the day of Pentecost in the spread of the gospel in the church. But these words will find their fullest manifestation in the days of the Tribulation when the gospel will be carried throughout the entire world before Jesus Christ returns in power and glory to establish His kingdom on the earth (Matt. 24:14).
Jesus reminded the apostles He was not asking something of them He Himself had not already experienced. In reaction to His casting out a demon, the religious leaders had claimed He was working by the prince of the demons. If they accused Jesus (the Head of the house) of demonic power, surely they would say the same thing of His servants. However, the apostles need not fear the religious leaders who could destroy only the physical body (Matt. 10:28). The leaders’ true motives will be revealed in the judgment.
Obedience to God, who ultimately is in charge of physical as well as spiritual life, is far more crucial. The message they had received from the Lord privately, they were to proclaim publicly without fear, for their Father was truly concerned for them and aware of their circumstances. He is aware of the death of a sparrow which is worth so little. Two sparrows were sold for a mere penny (copper coin worth about 1/16 of a Roman denarius - a day’s wages). God the Father also knows the number of hairs on a person’s head. The apostles were instructed not to fear for they, being far more valuable to God than sparrows, were seen and known by Him. Instead they were faithfully to confess (acknowledge) Jesus before men. This would result in the Lord’s acknowledging His servants before His Father; but failure to confess Him would result in His denial of them. Of the original 12 Apostles, only one, Judas Iscariot, fell into the latter category.
Jesus said He had come at this time not to bring peace to the earth but a sword which divides and severs. As a result of His visit to earth, some children would be set against parents and a man’s enemies might be those within his own household. This is because some who follow Christ are hated by their family members. This may be part of the cost of discipleship, for love of family should not be greater than love for the Lord. A true disciple must take his cross and follow Jesus. He must be willing to face not only family hatred, but also death, like a criminal carrying his cross to his own execution. In addition, in those days a criminal carrying his cross was tacitly admitting that the Roman Empire was correct in executing its death sentence on him. Similarly Jesus’ followers were admitting His right over their lives. In so doing one would find his life in return for having given it up to Jesus Christ.
Those who faithfully served the Lord and who faithfully received these workers were promised rewards. To receive a prophet and his message was tantamount to receiving Jesus Christ. Therefore even a cup of cold water given to one of these little ones, these insignificant disciples of Jesus, would be detected by the One who keeps accounts. The reward is in keeping with the act performed. With these words of instruction, Jesus departed to teach and preach in Galilee. With the Twelve having received delegated authority from the Lord, it may be assumed that they departed and carried out Jesus’ instructions.
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what i have read?)
This is one of those "gut-check" passages. Some tough words to hear. Jesus makes it clear that being a follower of His comes with a cost. There will be a price to pay to be His disciple. (He does remind us that a servant is not greater than his master - in other words, if they treated him poorly, they will treat His followers the same)
People will reject you, family will reject you, friends will turn on you - not really the "up with people" kind of message we want to hear today. Really,Jesus is reminding us that there is a price for everything - there are no free rides. Jesus paid a price for us, and we will have to pay a price for following Him.
"You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NIV)
"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV)
Luke 14:26-34 speaks about the price we will have to pay to be His followers. It's a pretty steep price if all you see is what it cost you. But, if you will see the cost in light of the cross, the price we are called to pay is nothing compared to what our Lord paid. When I think about the perfect Life of Jesus and when I see my own life, I am repulsed. I am so incredibly selfish and I have such a high propensity for sin - I am ashamed of the evil that is still so evident in my life.
How can He use me? How can He stand me? GRACE. God's Riches (eternal life, forgiveness, relationship with Christ, etc...) At Christ's Expense.
PRAYER
Lord, I'm not sure how You continue to use me or even why You continue to use me - my heart is grateful. Lord, you know how poorly I feel about myself at times, like right now - lift up my eyes to see You and Your forgiveness and grace. Forgive me for falling short. Forgive me for my lack of grace with my family. Walk with me today. Walk with the people of COV. Protect the purity of our kids. Keep them from harm and any evil that might impact them today. Draw them close to you. But a desire in their hearts to live for you and talk with you and stand for you.
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