Second Discourse in Matthew: Coming Persecutions

“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. 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 tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes." ~ Matthew 10:16-23
“We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, 'Blessed are they that mourn,' and I accept it. I've got nothing that I hadn't bargained for. Of course it is different when the thing happens to oneself, not to others, and in reality, not imagination.” ~ C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

So, not only does Jesus expect us to go out into the world unprepared...

 But also to be persecuted and separated from our families because of it!

 By the time this was written after Jesus' death, these things had happened. People of the Way (followers of Christ, Christians) were being persecuted. They were being killed.

 Families were drawing battle lines as some became followers of Jesus and others did not.

 And the only way they could imagine getting through all this was believing that Jesus would be coming back any day now.

 Some still believe this.

 Truth be told, most of us won't be persecuted for our faith. (ie: it isn't persecution when someone says 'Happy Holidays'  to you or doesn't want to display a manger scene or cross).

 Most of us won't die for what we believe.

 But we will suffer. That is the great truth. And it might be suffering that includes death or separation from loved one.

 Waiting for Jesus to come back immediately and fix it won't end the suffering.

 But being Christ TO those who are suffering does bring Jesus in the midst. Does bring healing to pain.

 Does help us to know that Christ is with us always. Not just as some in the future point, but now.

 Christ. Presence. Always.
Meditation: Lift in silent prayer the names of those you know going through pain and suffering...even if that person is you!

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