Title Matthew 10:24-33
Jesus had foreseen the hatred and persecution they would face from that time that his disciples would be known as his disciples by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Israel as they followed his orders. We see those words of prophecy and prophecy in verses 22-23 just before today's text: "You will be hated by all because of my name, but he who endures to the end will be saved/ If they persecute you in this town, Flee to that town, truly I tell you, the Son of Man will come because you will not be able to go through all the towns of Israel." So, in spite of such hatred and persecution, he felt the need to encourage them to courageously preach the gospel without giving up their faith. That's why what you said is the word of today's text, especially the word "Do not be afraid" that is repeated three times.
However, the Lord was well aware that shouting the gospel of Jesus Christ out loud in a bright place could lead to persecution and even death on his own, and he did not try to hide it from his disciples. But the Lord reminded his disciples that the people of the world can kill the body, but never the soul, and he taught them not to fear the people of the world, but only to fear God, the Lord of the whole world and the Sovereign of true life. is. That's what verse 28 says: "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, but fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell."
Jesus' words in today's text give us some teachings about discipleship of the crowds who want to follow Jesus. Disciples of Jesus are people sent by Jesus to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God to the whole world. The disciples of Jesus are people who are hated, persecuted, and suffered in various ways from this world in order to do this work. Jesus' disciples, however, are people who should not be afraid of such dangers, persecutions, and sufferings. The disciples of Jesus are people who bear witness to Jesus Christ more boldly and preach the gospel of the kingdom of God with faith in God as the Father. Disciples of Jesus are those who fear only God, fear no one else, and are willing to share in the sufferings of Jesus Christ. Disciples of Jesus are people who completely entrust their lives to God, the Lord of true life. Disciples of Jesus are people who believe in God as a righteous judge, do not yield to injustice, and know how to see victory, glory, and eternal life later than now.
We are all called to be disciples of Jesus. We must keep the discipleship obtained through today's text deeply in our hearts and live by faithfully and consistently carrying out the mission we received from the Lord. Let's not become discouraged or give up while doing the Lord's work. If you do your work diligently and do it right, you are bound to face hatred, slander, persecution, and hardship. Hatred, slander, persecution, and suffering do not just come from the world. It also happens in the church. So the pain is greater. While pretending not to be like that, they hide behind their backs to hate, slander, persecute, and suffer. So you will be more disillusioned and more likely to be tested. But all of that must be revealed. All the hidden slander and persecution will be exposed, and all the hardships that have been unfairly and unfairly will be revealed. And God will surely reveal His righteousness, and He will bring justice to all who have done evil. Let's be all of us who always walk the path of discipleship of Jesus Christ without wavering, looking forward to the final victory and glory.