What Jesus Did! 'Faithful' — Matthew 10:21-23

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

[Jesus continued his warning and instructions to the apostles when he sent them out:] "A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel."
— Matthew 10:21-23 NLT

Key Thought

The call of the Kingdom of God will meet with strong resistance. Those within our own families may give us up to arrest, while opposition can also mount from many everyday people. They will hate us for no other reason than that we follow Jesus. Jesus urges the apostles as missionaries to leave the cities where they are treated badly, to keep their faith, and to move to another city. But their flight is not one of fear, but one of anticipation and evangelization. They are to keep sharing and living the message of the Kingdom in city after city for their salvation awaits and their Lord's coming is near. We would do well to heed Jesus' instructions and warnings for the apostles when we face opposition to our life style and service as Jesus' disciples.

Today's Prayer

God, you are the Rock of my salvation, you are my strength and protection. Give me courage to be faithful and never waver in my love and faithfulness to you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 John 3:13
  • 2 Timothy 4:11-14
  • 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, May 5, 2021

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Creator and Sustainer' (Ps. 104:30)
"When you send your Spirit, [all creatures] are created, and you renew the face of the ground."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Enemies of God Don't Trust the Bible' (Ja. 4:4-5)
"You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world,...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Resurrection Hope' (1 Co. 15:12-20)
"Dear Father, confirmer of truth, Strengthen me against all that Satan and the world can bring against me. Confirm my understanding of what you did in..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 15:33
"The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor."

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 10:21-23 NLT — "A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!