Second Discourse in Matthew: Teachers & Disciples
A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! ~ Matthew 10:24-25
With great power comes great responsibility. ~ Uncle Ben, "Spiderman" (Stan Lee)
Not only does power bring responsibility, but that responsibility can bring rejection and even suffering.
Jesus has already given his followers the power to cast out unclean spirits. It's a heady thing to be given that kind of power.
But anyone who's had the power to heal can attest that it also comes with a warning. Think of doctors today and the cost of malpractice insurance they have to maintain.
Or a parent who stays up all night with a sick child and ends up getting sick themselves because they are so overtired and neglectful of their own health.
So when Jesus gives power to his disciples - power that he himself has shown - can the disciples expect better treatment than he got?
As Christians, there is a temptation to look at our faith as simply a comfort and a blessing. And it is those things.
But we follow a master who was constantly ridiculed, and ultimately killed.
So while in all likelihood we won't face death for our faith, we can expect that it will often be challenging and we might even face rejection or great discomfort.
We might face loneliness. We might have a dark night of the soul.
We might see something that we worked hard to accomplish, fail miserably.
And it is so often in those times where Christ meets us most wonderfully: where we discover that indeed we are not alone. We have One who leads the way through pain into life.
So, use the power that's been given to you for love and life. And know that when that power feels to be depleted, begin again. And know also that you are being held up by one who knows exactly what you are going through.
Meditation: Reflect on the times where failure or suffering or pain has brought you closer to your faith and Christ.
With great power comes great responsibility. ~ Uncle Ben, "Spiderman" (Stan Lee)
Not only does power bring responsibility, but that responsibility can bring rejection and even suffering.
Jesus has already given his followers the power to cast out unclean spirits. It's a heady thing to be given that kind of power.
But anyone who's had the power to heal can attest that it also comes with a warning. Think of doctors today and the cost of malpractice insurance they have to maintain.
Or a parent who stays up all night with a sick child and ends up getting sick themselves because they are so overtired and neglectful of their own health.
So when Jesus gives power to his disciples - power that he himself has shown - can the disciples expect better treatment than he got?
As Christians, there is a temptation to look at our faith as simply a comfort and a blessing. And it is those things.
But we follow a master who was constantly ridiculed, and ultimately killed.
So while in all likelihood we won't face death for our faith, we can expect that it will often be challenging and we might even face rejection or great discomfort.
We might face loneliness. We might have a dark night of the soul.
We might see something that we worked hard to accomplish, fail miserably.
And it is so often in those times where Christ meets us most wonderfully: where we discover that indeed we are not alone. We have One who leads the way through pain into life.
So, use the power that's been given to you for love and life. And know that when that power feels to be depleted, begin again. And know also that you are being held up by one who knows exactly what you are going through.
Meditation: Reflect on the times where failure or suffering or pain has brought you closer to your faith and Christ.