Julie
Jesus is sending the disciples out to spread God's Word and gives them the ability to do his work as he does it. He warns of them of persecution and asks them to stay strong and not fear for in their faithfulness they will have ever lasting life. Should they lose their lives in the name of Jesus they will be considered righteous and enter heaven for staying faithful and true to the very end. This all sounds so crazy sometimes and it's easy to see that if someone is being persecuted that they would give in out of fear and for wanting to save their own lives. However, he is asking that they stand firm in their belief of him and God.
Bless the Lord!
Michelle
I read as you did and understood the same. It is a difficult thing for a person to give in out of fear, especially when their life is on the line. But he does tell them what they will face and that they are to go and search for those that are lost and to give freely as was given to them. The other thing that stands out is when he says, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies will be the members of his own household". This was an unexpected statement. But it goes on to say if you love them more than Jesus or God then you are not worthy. So, if the person puts these people in their lives above God, then they aren't worthy. I am feeling mixed emotions about this for some reason. I know we are to put God above all else, and I don't intentionally put someone above God, but maybe this happens more than we realize? It's something to be mindful of.
Praise the Lord, all you who minister in secret (I think that is what this means), Praise the Lord.
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