Matthew 10:22

Jesus spoke these words of warning after He had just given the twelve apostles power to cast out demons, to heal diseases, and the charge to preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. You would think this evangelistic crusade through the cities of Israel would be met with rejoicing. Who wouldn’t want demons cast out and to be healed of disease? But Jesus says that when they go out, instead of being loved, they will be hated. Why?  

Because the fallen nature is at war with God and refuses to submit to Him, refuses to serve Him. Of course everyone would want to be healed, that was not the issue. It was the declaration that the kingdom of heaven is here. Jesus is here. You must repent of your sins and serve the Lord Jesus Christ if you would be saved. That is the issue. That is the war. A few verses later Jesus tells them that He did not come to bring peace but a sword. It is, of course, absolutely true that the preaching of the gospel is the means by which God brings in His elect. But it also reveals His enemies.  And Jesus warns the disciples that those enemies could be in their own household. 

Jesus says these things to His twelve disciples, but they are true of all disciples.  We are all called to confess Him before men (10:32). When we do, we should not be surprised if we are hated (10:25). No one wants to be hated, especially by people we love. Being hated is tough. This is why Jesus says that he who endures to the end will be saved. Enduring did not mean converting a specific number of unbelievers in their evangelistic crusade. It meant remaining faithful to confessing Jesus in the face of rejection. It meant staying loyal to God even if everyone around you hates you for it.  

The world may hate you if you preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Faithful disciples are hated by the world but loved by God. God who will vindicate those who endure to the end. He will vindicate those who confess Him before men (10:32) and He will wipe away every tear as it says in Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”  

The great hymn, Rise Again Ye Lion Hearted asks the question, where is the bold, lionhearted disciple today who does not fear death nor fear to be hated for Jesus sake like the martyrs of old? The fourth line is a prayer for us to pray to God. It says, “Would to God that I might even as the martyred saints of old, with the helping hand of heaven, steadfast stand in battle bold! O my God, I pray Thee, in the combat stay me. Grant that I may ever be loyal, staunch, and true to Thee.” Amen! 

Glory to the Lord of hosts! 

His mercy endures forever! 

Pastor Flynn