Daily Devotions
Matthew
Anticipating the Worries of the the Disciples
Text: Matthew 10 : 16 - 31
How thorough Jesus was in preparing His disciples for ministry! Each piece of instruction He gave seemed to have anticipated the questions of the disciples. The prospect of suffering was fearsome, but perhaps not as disconcerting as having to stand trial before governors and kings! The disciples came from humble backgrounds. How would they be able to give a good account of themselves if they were asked to bear testimony before governors and kings? Anticipating this anxiety, Jesus gave them this special assurance.
“But when they deliver you up, do not worry
about how or what you should speak. For it
will be given to you in that hour what you
should speak. For it is not you who speak,
but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.”
Mathew 10:19-20
What glad assurance these words must have brought to the hearts of the disciples! Let us take time to ponder these words prayerfully.
1. Laying aside worries
The disciples were initially warned that the ministry could be very challenging. Then Jesus went on to prepare them mentally for possible suffering. Now He was telling them that they might be hauled up before governors and kings and be tried by them! It would be very hard for the disciples not to be overwhelmed by worries! How would they cope?
2. The Promise of the Spirit of God
What a wonderful promise Jesus gave to His disciples. He had promised them “authority” or “power” already! Now this extra promise! None other than the Spirit of God Himself would be given to them to assist them in their ministries!
a) Not mere mouthpieces
Of course, the disciples must seek to do their part! They must be as mentally fortified as possible. They must call to mind all that they had been taught. They must utilize all that they had learned from their Teacher.
b) The special role of the Holy Spirit
The disciples could not fully anticipate all that the enemies might hurl at them. There could be tricky questions that would demand great wisdom from them. What if they were wanting in skill and wisdom? This is the special ministry of the Spirit of God. He would take over where human wisdom leaves off!
COMPARING SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE
In order to appreciate this special promise of the Spirit better, let us take time to look at a passage that could throw further light. Let us look at what the Lord said to Ezekiel as He prepared him to be sent forth as His prophet.
1. The Call of the prophet Ezekiel
We begin with the call of Ezekiel to the ministry of the prophet.
“And He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand on your feet,
and I will speak to you…’
‘Son of man, I am sending you to the children of Israel,
to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me.'”
Ezekiel 2:1, 3
2. The Empowering of the Spirit of God
Even as God sent Ezekiel, He gave the Spirit of God to His servant.
“Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me,
and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me.”
Ezekiel 2:2
3. The Challenge to be Courageous
There was a part for the servant of God to play. He must seek to be as courageous as he could be.
“And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor
be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns
are with you, and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or be dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house.”
Ezekiel 2:6
4. The Commission to proclaim God’s Word
Ezekiel would be given definite messages to preach to the house of Israel. He must not be afraid of proclaiming God’s word bravely. He was not responsible for the responses of the house of Israel. He was only responsible for proclaiming the Word of God.
“You shall speak My words to them, whether they
hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious.”
Ezekiel 2:7
SIGNIFICANCE NOT LOST ON THE DISCIPLES
Were the disciples of Jesus familiar with the Scriptures? We may presume so. The significance of what Jesus was saying to them was not lost on them! The calling, commissioning and empowering of the disciples were not lesser in any way than that which Ezekiel the prophet experienced! What an awesome thing to be called Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ!