Chapter 10, the second discourse in Matthew's gospel, deals with the topic of Mission and Martyrdom. Our passage for study serves as a warning to disciples of future sufferings.

v17. Jesus' warning is to Jewish believers who face persecution in their local synagogue. As members of the synagogue, they will find themselves handed over for flogging because of their witness to Christ. The reference to "their" synagogue does not mean that Matthew (nor Jesus) sees himself outside of the Jewish community. He speaks as a prophet addressing the apostate.

v18. Persecution will also come from Gentile authorities as the gospel moves from Israel to the Gentile community. Because the disciples are followers of Christ they can expect persecution, but legal action against them will give them the opportunity to witness "to governors and kings, and to other Gentiles."

v19-20. When "they" (opponents in general, but certainly including Jewish leaders) "hand you over" (better than "arrest") the Holy Spirit will aid your testimony. Roman officials were extremely overbearing and defendants would often employ orator-lawyers to speak for them. Believers can look to the Spirit to support their testimony, although obviously not speak instead of them.

v21. The witness of Christ will bring division and thus persecution, not only within society at large, but also within families.

v22. "All people", in the sense of all without distinction (race, religion...), will react with hostility to those who bear witness. The cause of this hostility is again "because of me." In 5:10 it is "because of righteousness." A Christ-like life may prompt aggression (a guilt-ridden person will often act with aggression in the face of an exemplary life), as may a belief in Christ for salvation (truth often generates anger in the one who lives a lie). Inward peace, ours by grace through faith, will also prompt a bitter response, especially from those weighed down by guilt. In the face of persecution the believer must patiently endure "to the end" (probably to the end of their life, rather than to the end of the age). They endure in their faith and so stand the "test/trial." The martyrs claimed that salvation belonged only to those who refused to pour out a libation to Caesar. Yet, although their no-compromise stance is to be applauded, it is faith that saves, not works.

v23. Jesus encourages his disciples to press on in the face of persecution rather than withdraw in defence. As for the rather unusual saying concerning the coming of the Son of Man, it is probably best to understand it as a reference to coming judgement upon Israel. The Son of Man comes to reign, in the same sense as the kingdom comes ("is near unto you"). For sinful humanity this reign is experienced in judgement. As far as this world is concerned there have been many "comings" in judgement. The particular "coming" that Jesus is referring to here may be the judgement of his passion, or even his coming in judgement upon Jerusalem in 70AD. Therefore, his disciples need to get a wiggle on. The time is short, particularly for Israel.

v24-25. These two sayings were commonly used in the first century and Jesus uses them here to make the point that his disciples should not be surprised if they suffer persecution. Jesus got a rough time, so will they. They will be called Beelzebub ("The Lord of the Flies" - a sarcastic version of Prince Baal [Beelzeboul]). They will be called children of Satan, just as Jesus was sometimes viewed as one of Satan's minions.

Given the history of Christian persecution, we are lucky if we find ourselves in a country which tolerates the church and religious freedom. The persecution most of us experience is of a minor sort, certainly nothing to be compared with the horrors of the past.

Jesus' reminds his disciples that they can expect a bit of flak for being his followers. He didn't get off easily, and so they can expect the same treatment. In the face of these difficulties they should continue to "witness", to give testimony to Christ, to proclaim the gospel. Although our circumstances are different, the general principle applies. In the face of all our difficulties let us use every opportunity to make the gospel known.

There is a range of factors that can prompt reaction to our person and our faith. Bad habits, a "holier than thou" attitude, a sensorial self-righteous attitude.... all can produce a reaction to the gospel, which is in reality a reaction to personal selfishness. A genuine reaction to the gospel is more likely to come from the glare of truth and love. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness doesn't like it. Truth can expose the stupidity of our cherished ideas and leave us bitter and reactive. Love can expose our cold heart or our twisted guilt. We are then tempted to destroy the source of our pain. A word of bitterness will often do the trick. In fact, the truly godly person is often the focus of human vindictiveness.

Yet, most often the response to the gospel is one of sarcasm. We follow the lord of the flies, or is it the dung heap? Still, since Jesus was rejected we can't expect to be treated with tender loving care.

Discuss how a person, who possesses a gracious loving heart, may find themselves the butt of vicious slander. Why?