Matthew 10:16-25

STAND FIRM TO THE END

Keywords 10:22

All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

 

1. …to bear witness before them (16-20)

 Jesus knew his disciples were weak like sheep, so Jesus encouraged them to be

shrewd like snakes, maintaining their innocence as doves. Men would arrest them

and flog them, even put them on trial. To Jesus this was the opportunity to witness

to the small and great alike. A witness simply shares what they saw and heard,

and need not worry about the result. The Holy Spirit would give them the words

to say that would pierce hearts. With this promise, they may live as courageous

witnesses of the gospel, keeping in step with God’s Spirit.

 

2. He who endures to the end will be saved (21-25)

 The rejection of the gospel will divide families, and some will be martyred.

Christians will be hated, since Jesus was hated and we follow his example (24-25).

Jesus gives us his promise in this environment: “He who stands firm to the end

will be saved.” Whether we live or die, let’s courageously share the gospel to all

the towns and villages of the world, until Jesus comes again on that glorious day.

 

Prayer Father, I feel like a sheep among wolves. Help me not to fear, but trust in

Jesus’ promises, depend on your Holy Spirit, and courageously share the

gospel in my generation.

One Word Stand firm to the end