LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1989, Page 82

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82 LIFELIGHT BIBLE STUDY

(Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60). Paul was frequently thrown out of
synagogues, flogged, and forced to testify before Gentile
rulers (2 Cor. 11:23-27).

Jesus promises, though, that the disciples will receive
power to witness in these perilous circumstances: “When
they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to
say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it
will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father
speaking through you” (vv. 19-20). Jesus spoke before the
high priest (26:64) and before Pilate (27:11). Peter and
John testified baldly before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:8-14).
Stephen courageously proclaimed the message of the king-
dom before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7:1-53). Paul preached
forcefully in synagogues (Acts 13:14—48) and before ac-
cusing crowds (Acts 21:37—-22:22),

Jesus proceeds to describe the horrible persecutions
awaiting His disciples on a mission. “Brother will betray
brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel
against their parents and have them put to death. All men
will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the
end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place,
flee to another” (Matt. 10:21-23a). The growing opposition
to Jesus culminating in His death on a cross would indeed
rear its ugly head in the early church, not only in Jeru-
salem but throughout the Roman Empire. Persecutions
would arise with martyrs crucified upside down and others
destroyed by lions in the Roman arena. What a grim pic-
ture! Jesus then reinforces the understanding that the dis-
ciples will simply experience the same suffering He
endures. “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant
above his master. It is enough for the student to be like
his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head
of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more
the members of his household” (vv. 24-25).

How do we relate to these terrifying words of Jesus? We
rejoice that He has called us as disciples. We want to go
on His mission to proclaim the kingdom. But how do we
understand the opposition and trials He describes? We
don’t want to suffer and incur the hatred of others. We
fear such rejection. On the other hand, in America we have
not experienced the severity of persecution described by
Matthew. Are we failing to witness boldly enough or does
the opposition take a different form in today’s world? We
search our own lives and witnessing opportunities so that
we may serve more faithfully as students and servants of
our teacher and master.

Bible Study 4

Jesus Promises His Grace and Daily Provision
for the Mission

(Matt. 10:26-33)

Jesus does not leave the disciples with a glum picture
of opposition and trials. He richly promises His grace and
help in time of need. Three times in verses 26-33 He offers
the comforting words, “Do not be afraid.” “Do not be afraid
of them” (v 26). The hidden will be revealed. Speak in the
daylight what Jesus tells in the dark. What He whispers
in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. In other words,
Jesus’ saving message goes with us wherever we go. That

message forgives us, strengthens us, and through us
reaches a world in need. Don’t be afraid because you have
His Word.

Second, “do not be afraid of those who kill the body but
cannot kill the soul” (v. 28). Yes, people will persecute and
ridicule. Rulers may arrest and convict Jesus’ disciples.
But they cannot destroy God’s free gift of eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. He gives us life and health
now but more wonderfully promises us life forever with
Him. No one can take that away from us. Don’t be afraid
because you have eternal life in both soul and body.

Third, “don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many
Sparrows’ (v. 31). God provides for the tiny sparrows worth
only half a penny each. He knows and cares for each spar-
row. He also numbers every hair on your head. Surely God
will also provide every daily need as you carry out His
mission. He will supply daily bread, physical resources for
the task, as well as the grace to speak just the right words
of witness to others. Always the crucified and risen Christ
stands with you in your suffering to empower you for mis-
sion. As the writer to the Hebrews says, “For we do not
have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our
weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in
every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us
then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that
we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time
of need” (Heb. 4:15—-16). He helps us to acknowledge Him
before people because He has acknowledged us before His
Father in heaven. Don’t be afraid because Jesus provides
for our every need.

Bible Study 5

Jesus Describes the Mission as Losing Life
for His Sake

(Matt. 10:34-42)

Jesus prepares the disciples for His mission by describ-
ing the true meaning of discipleship. “Whoever finds his
life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will
find it” (v. 39). Jesus came to earth to lose His life for the
sake of the world. He lived as the suffering servant. He
ministered tirelessly to the multitudes, sheep without a
shepherd. He showed compassion even to His enemies. He
permitted Himself to be arrested, tried, convicted, and
nailed to a cross. By losing His life, He made it possible
for the world to find life through faith in Him. He also
found life through His glorious resurrection from the dead.

Disciples with Jesus’ new life are free to lose their lives
for His sake. They do not seek their own security or per-
sonal gain, but rather they live for others. They stand will-
ing to lose their own lives or reputations as they boldly
proclaim Christ from the housetops.

The message of life in Christ is a message of peace from
Christ, the Prince of peace. However, those who seek to
find life for themselves oppose those who lose their lives
and bring Christ’s peace. As Jesus instructed His disciples,
“If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is
not, let your peace return to you” (Matt 10:13). Therefore,
losing life for Christ’s sake may bring divisions within fam-
ilies, turning “a man against his father, a daughter against