Introduction: Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Our text is the Gospel Lesson just read, from Matthew 10. We begin with prayer.
Dear fellow disciples of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ:
- It is an assumption held by many and often passed on to our children, that if we do what is good, good will come to us – and often this is true. The obverse is also generally true, that if we do evil then bad things are going to come to us. However, even this “truism” is not absolute or universal.
- When we think about the good things that God wants to get accomplished in the world – especially the blessings of bringing people to faith and into His kingdom, we assume that this is something that God will especially protect and bless, so that as we engage in this good work of the church things will go well for us. However, in our text, we see that this will not be the case.
- So it is that we consider “THE STRANGE FATE OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS,” and also whether we are willing to share in this same fate. For as Jesus describes it in our text:
I. God’s People Will Be Doing The Good Work Of Bringing God’s Word Of Love Into The World, But Will Be Suffering Betrayal And Violence For It
Text: “These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them – ‘Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for My Name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.’”
Statement: This does not sound like much a job advertisement! And I’m certain that most of us have no interest in this kind of experience. However, what are the alternatives? We don’t set the dynamics, nor are we commanded to change them, or able to change them. So, what to do? Are we to renege on our discipleship, and to seek shelter by taking sides with those of this sinful fallen world – and become persecutors ourselves? And there is the promise of Jesus that “the one who endures to the end will be saved.” And there are other promises and assurances as well – to those who are faithful to Jesus.
Application: As we mull over the possibility of extreme persecution for faithfully doing Jesus’ bidding and work, we can at least thank Jesus for giving us fair warning! One thing Jesus does not do is enlist us under false pretenses or with false promises! Still, it is a difficult thing for us to contemplate – “THE STRANGE FATE OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS,” and even more difficult to agree to. So we need to take all of this into very careful consideration! But there is some consolation in this, for:
II. In Embracing This Fate We Are Imitating Jesus’ Experience, And That Of The Prophets
Jeremiah reflects the difficulty of being a faithful follower of God. One has to understand the difficulty of his prophetic ministry to fathom his deep depression expressed in the Old Testament reading for today. He expressed his depression and struggle, but later affirms God’s love and blessed faithfulness:
OT Lesson: “O Lord, You have deceived me, and I was deceived; You are stronger than I and You have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; everyone mocks me. For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, ‘Violence and destruction!’ For the Word of the Lord has become for me a reproach and derision all day long.”
It is the same for followers of Jesus to this day, as He reveals to us:
Text: “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of His household?”
Statement: This too we have marveled at this throughout our lifetime, the fate of Jesus and the fate of His prophets and apostles – how strange that they should suffer the persecution and violence of human beings. In Jesus’ case, He was the embodiment of God’s great love for us, providing in His own suffering and death on the cross the atonement for our sins, our forgiveness, redemption, and eternal salvation. And in the case of His servants, they were communicating God’s love to us – both in warning of God’s judgment and calling people to repentance, and in proclaiming God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love. Now how are these things such great sins and evils that people should persecute and murder these servants of God?
Application: So as we contemplate “THE STRANGE FATE OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS,” we must also consider the privilege and blessedness of walking in the footsteps of Jesus and other servants of God! I must admit – all of this is quite different from the course of worldly success, approval, and commendation that we set out on in life! But in the end these things are quite overblown and inflated in value, especially if we consider the fact that:
III. Ultimately, In The End, All Will Be Made Clear And We Will Be Vindicated And Acknowledged By Jesus
Text: “So, have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. . . . So everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge before My Father Who is in heaven, but whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny before My Father Who is in heaven.”
Statement: This “denying” that Jesus mentions does not pertain to momentary lapses and falls of weakness – like those experienced by Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, and all of God’s people. This refers to those who intentionally choose to deny Who Jesus is, those who reject Him in unbelief and impenitence! Our lapses are all forgiven by Jesus, as were Peter’s and all the disciples. But in the end, they all continued to “acknowledge” Jesus before others, regardless of the cost and consequences – and we are called to do the same! And though this may result in a “strange fate” for us, as it does for true followers of Jesus, in the end we will be vindicated and greatly blessed. So let us consider our options carefully!
And even though it seems as though God either doesn’t care about His followers and servants in the world, or that if He does care He is incapable of protecting them, the reality is that:
IV. God Cares Deeply About Us, Even About Every Hair On Our Head, And He Is Afflicted In All Of Our Sufferings
Text: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Is. 63:9 “In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His presence saved them; in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.”
Statement: So, while it may seem that God is uncaring or aloof to the strange suffering of His servants, nothing could be further from the truth! You parents, are you ever apathetic or aloof to the sufferings of your children? Do you think you are more caring and loving than God? Perish the thought!!!
Application: So we also have the constant assurance of God’s great care and concern for us – especially when we are suffering “THE STRANGE FATE OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS.” But it is part of the suffering He is willing to endure along with us for the sake of His great work of saving people from death and hell, and hopefully we are willing to endure it as well! For then there is no question as to which side of the line we are on when it comes to the division of good and evil!
Conclusion: And while it may seem that “THE STRANGE FATE OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS” is enduring, it is in fact reversed in the life which is to come, for as Jesus promises: “the one who endures to the end will be saved.” And not only saved, but vindicated, elevated, and glorified in God’s kingdom along with Jesus, our dear Savior!
So let us continue on with courage and fortitude, regardless of what we see coming our way. We know God’s love, His gracious mercy and forgiveness, His faithfulness and power, and His promises regarding our future. Then, considering our glory, we will not think of this strange earthly fate as being of any real consequence! God grant such faith and constancy to each of us, Amen.
Votum: And the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in the true faith, which is in Christ Jesus, even unto life everlasting. Amen.