Sunday 22 June 2008
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
"A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of this household!" (v.24-25)
Background
Jesus has just chosen his 12 and is giving them words of adviceon how best to carry out their mission. After instructions on whoto speak to and warnings that trouble is ahead, there are theseinstructions which make it very clear that this is not going to bean easy task.
Just as servants must suffer for the decisions of their master, thedisciples will have to be willing to take all that is about to bethrown, including accusations towards their master. Whatever theythink might be said about Jesus, those who closely associate withhim can expect worse.
With this in mind, Jesus tell his followers that they must maketheir way to the most prominent of places - the flat roofs ofhouses - and boldly proclaim his message. The comfort Jesus offersis that if God even cares for the cheapest item in the market - thesparrows - then his disciples have nothing to fear.
Jesus' promise that he is to bring a sword (ie trouble) is followedby verses which closely mirror passages from the Old Testament -
Jesus is clear that his message is not going to be one that theworld wants to hear. His words will be so offensive that the worldwill take up swords against him.
To Ponder
How offensive is Jesus' message to the worldtoday?
How would you have felt if you were a disciplehearing Jesus speak such confrontational and challenging words?Would you still be committed to following him when the costs wereoutlined in such detail?