Daily Devotions
Matthew
Suffering for the Sake of Jesus
Text: Matthew 10 : 16 - 31
Jesus had already mentioned the problem of suffering earlier. In His famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus added an encouraging word to His disciples.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for
righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile
and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil
against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and
be exceedingly glad; for great is your reward
in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets
who were before you.”
Matthew 5:10-12
If there had been any doubts as to what this Beatitude meant, they would have been clarified with this new word of explanation from Jesus.
“And you will be hated by all for My Name’s
sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”
Matthew 10:22
“Hated by all…”
Hatred in itself was not something entirely new to the disciples. Let us consider the following thoughts.
1. Hatred for Romans
Many nursed a deep hatred for the Romans. The least form of hatred was “mere tolerance” for their presence in Israel. The worst form was open rebellion against them.
2. Hatred for Samaritans
There were many differences between the Jews and the Samaritans. With the passing of years, these differences became a solid wedge between the two nations. The sad fact was that once they were “brothers”. They shared the same ancestors.
3. Hatred for Gentiles
Generally speaking, the Jews despised others! They saw them as idolaters. They barely tolerated their presence. They learned to co-exist with others only because their own survival demanded that they live and let live.
4. A New Application
The disciples must now be prepared to become the victims! To be hated by all must have been a frightening thought indeed. The Romans hunted down those they considered enemies of the state. Imagine the Samaritans and the Jews joining in this mutual feeling of hatred against the disciples!
“For My sake…”
How real was their faith in Jesus as the Messiah? How precious was He to them as their Saviour and Lord? The disciples would be tested to the uttermost when venomous hatred was poured out against them!
Why would the disciples be hated so much, by so many people? Jesus made this point very clear. They would be hated not because of personal problems. They would be hated simply because of their association with Jesus! Their identification with Him alone would result in deep feelings of animosity!
“But He who endures to the end will be saved…”
As Jesus spoke to His disciples, those with vivid imagination would have shuddered at the thought of having to go through so much suffering! Would the Lord perhaps offer special grace and soften the blows?
Jesus did not speak of adversity becoming lesser. Instead He challenged the disciples to cultivate their power of “endurance” instead.
1. The ability to take the stress and strain of suffering
This was something that Jesus wanted His disciples to develop in their faith and character. To ask that blows be softened made no sense at all! The greater challenge was to have stronger shoulders.
2. The ability to last out
Just how much could a person be expected to take suffering? In this word “endurance” (Greek- hypomone), Jesus urged His disciples to cultivate perseverance and patience in their soul.
3. The ability to triumph over all odds
The third aspect was even more glorious! If the disciples were able to maintain a strong and triumphant spirit they would have achieved much more than they imagined! What would their reward be?
Those who are able to suffer much for the sake of the Lord Jesus were promised “the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). He went on to say that a great reward awaited them in heaven (Matthew 5:12). Since the matter of reward had already been taught, Jesus used a simple word to describe the blessing they would receive. He said simply, “He who endures to the end will be saved.”
That is more than anything that could be said about the plight of those who persecuted them. They would be lost! They would be judged for their iniquities! But for those who suffered much and had endured to the end – their salvation was reward enough!
BRACING OF THE SPIRITS OF THE DISCIPLES
The point of all that Jesus was teaching His disciples must not be lost! He was not making mountains out of molehills! He was doing all He could to brace the spirits of the disciples. They must be as fully prepared as possible! To be any less prepared was to be defeated in ministry!