Matthew 10:17-42

Christian Persecution, Disciples Prepare For Persecution - Should We?

18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

19 "But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.

20 "For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.

22 "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

23 "But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.

24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.

25 "It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household!

26 "Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.

27 "What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops.

28 "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

29 "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.

30 "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 "So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

32 "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.

33 "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

34 "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

35 "For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;

36 and A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.

37 "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

38 "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

39 "He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.

40 "He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

41 "He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

42 "And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward."

Jesus Prepares His Disciples For The Coming Persecution

Within the past couple of years, we have had several visitors come and speak about Christian persecution in different parts of the world including Viet Nam, China and Africa. And, this is just the short list of countries you will seldom see in the news.

Freedom of Religion in the USA

Even in America Christians seem to be more and more abused in the press, symbols and even prayer being shut down by atheists groups. We are deemed as "intolerant" because we believe that Christ is the way to salvation.

But, I am not here to just complain - Jesus said this was coming. I just want to make you aware that Christian persecution is a reality - many countries will not even allow a Bible to be brought in. Here are a few examples...

Examples of Christian Persecution:

China

A young woman from China in her early 20's published a Christian newsletter and was forced to walk a stone floor barefoot all night until her feet were bleeding and leaving tracks on the floor.

Then, after she was finally released from jail, she was put to work making Christmas decorations to be sold in America. Ironic? But, we are still helping China to become the largest economic power in the world by buying the goods - because it's cheaper to do so.

Viet Nam

These men visited our church and told of how their Bible study had to be held in secrecy and how one of the men was taken out and beaten by police when he was discovered - just because he was Christian.

Africa

This visitor from a small country in Africa has to remain nameless because his family is still living in this African nation and could be in grave danger if his identity is revealed.

He told the story of how he was arrested after his country was taken over by Muslims. Refusing to convert to Islam, he was hung from the ceiling upside down and boiling hot oil was poured on the bottom of his feet. He stood firm in his belief but had to flee to the United States.

These are just some of the Christian people I am personally aware of but there are millions of persecuted Christians around the world suffering as we speak.

Jesus Prepares His Disciples For Persecution

The things Jesus proclaimed about Christian persecution in verses 17 and 18 came to pass just as he predicted. The disciples depended upon Christ to see them through these times of hardship from religious leaders, governments and even friends and family.

They used this persecution as an opportunity to tell more people about Jesus Christ and the salvation he offers.

Jesus said in verse 22; "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved."

The disciples lived through this persecution but were saved by the grace Christ offered. He offers us this same salvation but he never promised that the road will always be easy.

What about China, Viet Nam and Africa?

If we desire to place a cross in a public place or, as in the more recent case of families not allowed to even pray in Jesus' name at military funerals of Christians - then we're "insensitive" or "intolerant" to other religions or to atheists.

No matter what you'll view on the news programs about other countries and religions being tolerant to religious beliefs, Christian persecution is happening on a daily basis.

So, the question is; "What will I do as I understand that, according to Christ, Christian persecution will continue? Will I keep my faith and tell others about Jesus?" Will you?

Love In Christ

- Bob

Matthew 10:1-16 - Jesus Sends Out The Twelve Disciples