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Even More Solemn Words

Text: Matthew 10 : 16 - 31

As Jesus continued to instruct His disciples, His thoughts went deeper and became even more solemn and startling. Few things could have stunned the disciples more than the next word of advice.

“Now brother will deliver up brother to death,
and a father his child; and children will rise
up against parents and cause them to be put to death.”
Matthew 10:21

What startling words these were! What could Jesus mean by them?

1. No exaggeration

In their wildest dreams, the disciples would not have imagined that this state of affairs could occur! They could understand and accept that some, like the scribes and Pharisees, could oppose them. But that was understandable, for they objected to most things anyway! But the family turning against the believer? How could that be? Nevertheless, the disciples knew enough about Jesus to realize that He was not given to exaggeration. His words must be given due consideration.

2. A prophetic word recalled

Jesus was not saying something new. The prophet Micah wrote on the subject of family upheaval in his book.

“The faithful man has perished from the earth,
And there is no one upright among men,
They all lie in wait for blood;
Every man hunts his brother with a net…

Do not trust in a friend;
Do not put your confidence in a companion;
Guard the doors of your mouth
From her who lies in your bosom.
For son dishonours father,
Daughter rises against her mother,
Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
A man’s enemies are the men of his own household.
Therefore I will look to the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation:
My God will hear me.”
Micah 7:2, 5-7

HOW RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS CAN LEAD TO FANATICAL LEANINGS

Perhaps the disciples were not aware of just how religious sentiments can affect people. They may feel that they are sharing their faith and preaching the truth. They would be right in feeling thus! People who are brought up religiously can react quite adversely to what they perceive as intrusions against their faith. Strong and adverse reactions can occur!

The whole family can turn upside down – because of religious differences! Micah the prophet understood this. Jesus emphasized the same truth! The disciples must be as mentally, spiritually and emotionally prepared for such events to take place.

WHEN THERE IS A LACK OF FULL COMPREHENSION

When the Lord revealed this truth to Micah the prophet, he was stunned! He reacted with deep emotion.

“Woe is me!
For I am like those who gather summer fruits,
Like those who glean vintage grapes;
There is no cluster to eat
Of the first-ripe fruit which my soul desires.
The faithful man has perished from the earth,
And there is no one upright among men…”
Micah 7:1-2a

The prophet Micah’s first reaction was that of discouragement – almost despair! He described himself as a man gathering summer fruits happily. However, as he began to walk through the vineyard, he failed to see even one cluster of right grapes to eat. There was hardly any grapes left on the vines. Micah made a mental comparison with the nation of Israel in mind. The faithful man had perished from the earth, and there was not a single upright man to be found!

Jesus had to prepare His disciples as fully as possible. The more prepared they were, the better they would be able to cope with problems that would arise. The less prepared they were, the less they would be able to rise above the conflicts that would arise.

DANGEROUS INDICATORS

Had the disciples understood what Jesus was saying? They must not be naive about too many things!

1. Further deterioration

A strong family represents much. It speaks of a society that is wholesome and strong. But if the family unit sees children and parents betraying each other, then it is an indication that all is not well! Israel included? Yes – unfortunately.

2. The power of sin

Ultimately it was the power of sin at work in the human heart! Sin will cause the heart to rebel against the message of the Gospel! Wise is the man who understands this.