Read Matthew 10:16–23
Questions from the Scripture text: As what does the Lord send the apostles (Matthew 10:16)? In the midst of what? As what, then, do they need to be wise? As what, must they be harmless? Of whom must they beware (Matthew 10:17)? To whom will men deliver them (verse 17a)? Where will they be scourged (verse 17b)? Before whom will they be brought (Matthew 10:18)? For Whose sake? As what unto them? And to whom? When this happens, what two things are they not to worry about (Matthew 10:19)? When will it be given to them what to speak? Who speaks (Matthew 10:20)? Whose Spirit is He? Who will deliver up whom to what (Matthew 10:21)? And who else whom else? And who will rise up against whom and cause them to be put to death? What sorts of people will hate believers (Matthew 10:22)? For whose/what’s sake? Who will be saved (cf. Revelation 12:11)? What are they to do when this death-persecution arises in one city (Matthew 10:23)? What will the Son of Man always keep doing, as they go through the cities of Israel?
How do you handle opposition? Matthew 10:16–23 prepares us for the morning sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christians should expect opposition, but also the help of Christ, and the effectual power of the gospel.
Although this passage applies especially to gospel preachers in their ordained calling, the situations that it describes are faced by all Christians, and there is much help for all of us here.
Sheep gathering sheep (Matthew 10:16). They are not sent out as shepherds. Jesus is the shepherd, and He is using sheep to gather sheep to Himself. The problem is that there are wolves (Matthew 10:16). Jesus tells them not to be cunning as foxes but wise as serpents, which are very good at withdrawing from danger (thus, the instruction in Matthew 10:23a). They are also to keep in mind their sheep-status in how they interact with others (with the harmlessness, the gentleness, of doves).
Beware of men, and use your opportunities to witness (Matthew 10:17-18). Gospel preachers will be attacked by the judiciary (councils). Gospel preachers will be attacked by the church (scourge you in their synagogues). Gospel preachers will be attacked by the state (governors and kings). But all of these are for Jesus’s sake. This does not just mean that they are attacked for representing Christ, but that Christ (Who rules all things) grants them to be attacked as opportunities. Believers are to be Christ’s witnesses unto those who attack them!
Don’t fret about this witness, but trust your Father and His Spirit (Matthew 10:19-20). Notice that Matthew 10:19 does not say “do not prepare.” Certainly, the whole of the Christian’s walk in reading, hearing, and meditating upon the Word is preparation for what might be said. And these are all, always, done in dependence upon the Spirit already. This Scripture must not be used to excuse laziness in any believer, let alone a gospel preacher, who must show himself approved as a workman who need not be ashamed. But it is in keeping with this preparation, and with the gospel in which we are prepared, to look not with fear, but with confidence, to these attacks and opportunities to witness. The Lord is bringing the gospel to the nations in this way, and the Father has given us His Spirit for our part in it!
Let Christ determine who your “family” is (Matthew 10:21-22). By comparing “Father” in the triune activity of Matthew 10:19-20, with the word “brother” just a couple words later in Matthew 10:21, we can see the connection. Our great family is in God, Christ, and the Spirit. We hope to have earthly family that are brothers to us in this other family, but verse 21 teaches us to expect that there will be earthly family that are hostile and hateful of us on account of Christ. Let believers not be surprised when increased closeness to Christ causes more than a little strife in the family; our Lord warns us here of strife unto death!
Indeed, there is no sort of unbeliever that will not hate Christians, and especially preachers, on account of Jesus’s Name. “All” in Matthew 10:22 does not mean every last person, but all “without distinction.” Just as any sort of person can be saved by God’s grace, every sort of unsaved person will hate believers (verse 22a). Since you know this, overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the Word of your testimony, and love not your life unto death (verse 22b, cf. Revelation 12:11).
Use wisdom, and trust Christ to make the work effective (Matthew 10:23). As we see in several incidents in the book of Acts, the minister or the believer is not required to stay in a place where his life is under threat (verse 23a). There is plenty of gospel work to do, and Jesus gives instruction that goes beyond the initial “internship” that has occasioned this instruction. As they announce that the kingdom is at hand (cf. Matthew 10:7), they may be sure that the Lord Himself will come and attend the preaching with His power, by His Spirit (Matthew 10:23b, cf. Matthew 10:19-20).
By whom have you been attacked for the gospel? How were you wise as a serpent? How were you innocent as a dove? How have you made use of the means that the Spirit uses to prepare you for witnessing for Christ? Over which interactions are you tempted to worry and obsess?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for the privilege of being used to gather others to Yourself. Forgive us for our surprise and distress when we are attacked for Your sake. And forgive us for worrying about what we will say when challenged. Grant that we would gladly suffer for You and witness for You, with confidence that You Yourself will make it fruitful, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP67 “O God, Give Us Your Blessing” or TPH130A “Lord, from the Depths”