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A Puzzling Word

Text: Matthew 10 : 16 - 31

What did Jesus have in mind as He spoke to the disciples this particular word?

“When they persecute you in this city, flee to
another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will
not have gone through the cities of Israel
before the Son of Man comes.”
Matthew 10:23

This is indeed a puzzling text. What did Jesus mean? We need to study this text in its appropriate context.

When we speak of context, several things come to mind. However, we need only to highlight two things for our study here.

1. The immediate context

This thought must never be neglected. Jesus at this point of time was preparing His disciples for a short ministry. He wanted them to be as fully prepared as possible in case of possible resistance to their ministry. Thus He included the idea of suffering in His instruction.

2. The theological context

Sometimes, Jesus went far deeper in His instructions. He would look further than the immediate context. The subject of suffering is an excellent case in point. The immediate ministry of the disciples would not see them terribly persecuted. The way to understand the doctrine of suffering is to study it in the theological context.

THE CONTEXT OF “PERSECUTION” HERE

It is unlikely that Jesus was making a reference to the immediate context. The ministry that He was sending His disciples to perform was too short to evoke widespread persecution.

In this case, the theological context must be opted for. When understood in its full theological context, then the text is not so puzzling anymore.

The theological context is not limited by time and space. Jesus was looking into the future, and not just the near future at that! In His mind’s eye, He foresaw great persecution!

There would be times when they would be called upon to defend their faith before governors and kings. There would also be times when the most prudent thing would be to flee persecution.

Both options are not contradictory. Whether one should stay or flee depends on a number of factors. The individual believer must assess the situation there and then and proceed to make a decision. He mat rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance as to the correct decision to make.

A SPECIAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Were the hearts of the disciples heavy as they listened to Jesus speaking about suffering and persecution? To any body else, these words would have brought a dark cloud that threatened the bright prospects of a powerful and exciting ministry. However, Jesus was speaking to The Twelve. They had been with Him for some time already. He expected them to be able to comprehend the significance of all that He had uttered! In order to give their courage a boost He added this word.

“For assuredly, I say to you, you will not
have gone through the cities of Israel
before the Son of Man comes.”
Matthew 10:23b

Jesus uttered a phrase to His disciples that would require us to spend a little more time to puzzle out. What did the phrase, “Before the Son of Man comes” actually mean? Let us consider the following thoughts.

1. It was a special word of Assurance from “The Son of Man”

Each word of instruction was life giving. Every word uttered brought a special ray of hope to the heart. Each and every thought uttered was meant to give assurance to the heart. Jesus did not always use this phrase “Son of Man” in His instruction of the disciples. But when He does use that phrase, it is important that we do not miss the significance of that usage. In this case, Jesus wanted to give a special word of encouragement to His disciples.

2. Never Left alone – The Promise of the Son of Man

The disciples must not feel that they are all alone, even if they have to flee from city to city! He was with them. Could they not feel His Presence everywhere?

3. The Promise of Deliverance by the Son of Man

a) The Promise of Special Deliverance

This could be a reference to the fact that Jesus would come to their rescue in their hour of need. Did not Jesus wake up in the nick of time when the storm raged and threatened to capsize the boat in the Sea of Galilee?

b) The Promise of the Return of the Son of Man

This could also be a veiled reference to the future when Jesus would return for all who believed in Him. The element of suffering would extend from now till Jesus returned, but all who loved Jesus would not be afraid to enter into His sufferings.

4. The eschatological context of the Doctrine of the Son of Man

The eschatological context associated with the doctrine of “The Son of Man” must never be set aside. The full Biblical-theological context of this doctrine encompasses the Return of the Son of Man in all His glory and majesty. Surely this thought must bring great assurance to the heart!