Matthew 10:21-23 21And brother will hand brother over to death, and father child, and children will rise in rebellion against parents and have them put to death. 22And you will be hated by all people on account of my name. But the one who endures to the end, this one will be saved. 23But when they persecute you in this town, flee to another; for truly, I say to you, you will not go through all the cities of Israel until before the Son of Man comes.
Jesus begins to warn his disciples of the cost that will be involved in following him. Up until this point, following Jesus was glamorous, and even fun and entertaining. They got to watch miracles and hear the best preaching ever. They were associated with the famous rabbi. People were even starting to wonder if he was the Messiah. But being a follower of Jesus would take the obedience of faith, even when those around do not like it.
Becoming a follower of Jesus may and sometimes will alienate us from family. In most contexts and cultures, family is the glue of society and the foundation for relationships. Disciples have to make a choice about what matters most to them. Family is important but cannot take the place of Jesus as the Lord and sovereign King of our lives. Putting Jesus first may create tension between us and our loved ones. Alienation and friction should not come from our side, for as disciples, we must love everyone, but we should be prepared for those around us to reject us. This rejection can be difficult to experience for those who value their families or in cultures where respect for elderly is obligatory. Jesus extends the hatred disciples will receive to all people. The rejection could even lead to death.
Jesus gives the promise and incentive in verse 22: enduring will lead to salvation. The negative implication is that compromise to the pressure of family and society could lead to judgment and the loss of salvation. Keeping the goal in mind will help Jesus’ follows endure the trials and tribulation they face. Verse 23 indicates that we should not go looking for trouble or keep in the same situation of persecution. When we can, we must flee and get out of the situation. This may even require leaving home family and friends to go to a safer place. Jesus’ disciples were given the mission of taking the good news to the people of Israel (Acts 1:8). This mission would not be complete until Jesus’ coming again. We are part of that mission today–even to those who live in Israel, but the mission is extended to the “uttermost parts of the world.” Our challenge as believers is to endure even to the point of losing our lives in persecution. How strong is our faith and trust in the promises of Jesus?
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