JESUS SENDS OUT THE TWELVE, Ron Ward
FIELDWORK INSTRUCTIONS (II)
Passage: Matthew 10:16~25  
Key verse: 22b
16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.(A) Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.(B) 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils(C) and be flogged in the synagogues.(D) 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings(E) 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.(F) At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father(G) speaking through you.
21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents(H) and have them put to death.(I) 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me,(J) but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.(K) 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.(L)
24 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.(M) 25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul,(N) how much more the members of his household!
Cross references
- Matthew 10:16 : Lk 10:3; Ac 20:29
- Matthew 10:16 : S 1Co 14:20
- Matthew 10:17 : S Mt 5:22
- Matthew 10:17 : Mt 23:34; Mk 13:9; Ac 5:40; 22:19; 26:11
- Matthew 10:18 : Ac 25:24-26
- Matthew 10:19 : Ex 4:12
- Matthew 10:20 : Lk 12:11, 12; Ac 4:8
- Matthew 10:21 : ver 35, 36; Mic 7:6
- Matthew 10:21 : Mk 13:12
- Matthew 10:22 : S Jn 15:21
- Matthew 10:22 : Mt 24:13; Mk 13:13; Lk 21:19; Rev 2:10
- Matthew 10:23 : S Lk 17:30
- Matthew 10:24 : S Jn 13:16
- Matthew 10:25 : S Mk 3:22
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
In sending out his Twelve, Jesus forewarned of persecutions from religious authorities (17), government officials (18), and family members (21). Those who hate Jesus will hate those who are faithful to him, but whoever stands firm in their faith in Jesus will be saved (22). When persecuted they were to flee. Jesus would come soon to their rescue.
2. Stand firm and don't worry
Jesus gave counsel to his followers who would be persecuted: be shrewd like snakes, but innocent like doves (16); be on guard (17); don't worry, for the Holy Spirit will give you words (20); stand firm to the end (22). Why are Christians persecuted? Jesus said: 'On my account,' and, 'because of me.' It's an honor to suffer with and for Jesus and for the gospel (24,25).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I count it an honor to suffer for you. Help me to stand firm.
One Word: Don't worry, stand firm for Jesus