Clear and Present Danger: Understanding and Responding to Persecution while Fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 10:16-24) Part 2
Notes
Transcript
How should we respond to persecution?
How should we respond to persecution?
Let a man really dare to be a New Testament Christian and take Christ seriously, beginning next Monday morning, and he will wake up to the fact that he is a sheep among wolves.
Havner, Vance
Suresh Sammangi is a friend and fellow pastor. I met him and his wife, Anita, in Seminary. He is currently serving as the senior pastor of a church plant in Boston reaching the Indian population. Yesterday, he posted this on his facebook page,
“Urgent Prayer Request from India. Christian persecution in India is on the rise. Pastors are being arrested, churches are being vandalized, and believers are being targeted for their faith. The situation is heartbreaking and urgent.
Please pray for Pastor Ajay Babu, who has been arrested for boldly proclaiming the Gospel. Pray for his safety, peace, and quick release. Pray for his family and church as they stand firm in the face of fear and opposition.“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them…” – Hebrews 13:3Let us not stay silent. Let us intercede. Let us stand with the persecuted Church in India.”
Last week, we were awakened to the reality of being sheep among wolves, or Christians among persecutors. It is dangerous. It is heartbreaking. It is lonely. Pastor Ajay Babu is experiencing the harsh reality of persecution right now. He’s in prison. His family is heartbroken. He may even be feeling isolation that comes from being away from people you love and serve in the ministry. We must pray for him, his church, community, and home.
As sad as the reality of persecution is, we also know that God uses persecution as a means of grace to spread the gospel, as a prelude to indescribable joy, and a tool to conform us into the image of His Son in order to show the world we belong to Him. We must pray that God will use Pastor Babu as a means of grace to share the gospel so to joyfully advance the kingdom of God by making much of Jesus. Pray that God would give him joy and would conform him into the image of His Son.
If we were to experience what many Christians in India are experiencing, being persecuted for their faith in Christ, how should we respond?
Exercise wisdom (10:16b)
Exercise wisdom (10:16b)
16 so be wise as serpents…
Being' wise as serpents' invites us to think strategically and be cautious while skillfully spotting and sidestepping potential threats. Throughout biblical and ancient times, snakes have been seen as symbols of wisdom and cleverness, qualities that can be admirable. The Greek term' phronimos,' which we find in the New Testament and is often translated as' wise" or' shrewd," beautifully captures this careful approach associated with snakes. Just like snakes, which save their energy and don't chase after their prey unnecessarily, we too can learn to await the perfect moment to ask heart probing questions, offer truthful counsel, confront faulty worldviews, and call sinners to repent and believe the good news. Jesus encouraged a thoughtful and measured approach to danger and conflict, championing good judgment and a calm, steady resolve, as you joyfully advance the kingdom.
In ancient Rome, early Christians had to be both bold and shrewd to share their faith amidst persecution. They learned to navigate conversations carefully, using moments of cultural interest to introduce the Gospel. Much like a skilled diplomat, they discerned when to engage further and when to withdraw, ensuring their message was heard without drawing unwanted attention. Their wisdom in approaching tough situations reminds us that sharing our faith often requires a strategic and thoughtful approach, blending courage with cleverness.
Refrain from sin (10:16c)
Refrain from sin (10:16c)
16 innocent as doves.
The phrase “innocent as a dove” brings to mind two beautiful ideas. First, it evokes gentleness, and second, it speaks to a sense of holiness. Doves are widely seen as symbols of peace, a notion that traces back to their biblical ties with Noah, who welcomed a dove carrying an olive branch after the flood (Genesis 8:11). This imagery also connects to the Holy Spirit, especially during the baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:10), where the dove represents both peace and the divine presence. Interestingly, doves are also courageously unafraid, even when faced with their biggest threat, which is humans. So, like a dove, let's embrace gentleness and peace with those who are lost and in need of Christ, all while being courageous and actively moving forward in our mission- never naive, and always aware of the challenges we may face from those who are hostile to the gospel.
The word “innocent” literally means “unmixed, pure, transparent, to have irreproachable honesty.” It refers to purity of intention. In other words, refrain from sin. The apostle Paul echoes Jesus’ teachings in our text to the Roman church.
19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.
Understanding what is good helps us to stay righteous, which means embracing the life that Jesus invites us to live. Being innocent to what is evil encourages us to steer clear of sin. Let's avoid participating in wickedness, even in the attempt to bring back the lost sheep of Israel. Remember, we should never try to advance God's kingdom by responding to evil with evil. It's important not to harbor hatred in our hearts for those who oppose Jesus. Just like doves, which are gentle and non-poisonous, let's approach wolves with a kind heart. We can be shrewd and wise like a snake while also being gentle and loving like a dove.
I love the way Dr. Marshall Shelley, associate professor of pastoral leadership and ministry at Denver Seminary, describes what it means to be wise as snakes and gentle as doves. Shelley says,
We are to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, streetwise peacemakers, compassionate confronters, and above all, patient disciples who understand that God can redeem even the worst situation for his glory.
Marshall Shelley
Avoid worry (10:19–20)
Avoid worry (10:19–20)
19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Some of us fear persecution, not because of the pain so much, but because of the potential to buckle under the pressure, fumble through the gospel, or even deny the faith. Jesus recognizes our hearts are prone to fear. The Bibel says “do not fear” 365 times, once for every day of the year. When we lie down at night and think about what we would do under the fire of persecution, fear tell us we will not faithfully proclaim the gospel. Jesus says otherwise.
Jesus gives you the imperative not to be anxious how you are to speak and what to say when you stand before your persecutors. How does Jesus anchor his imperative to our obedience in not being anxious?
God is sovereign over the moment
God is sovereign over the moment
When I see the phrase “do not be anxious” in the context of Matthew, I immediately think of Matthew 6:25-34. The text addresses anxiety, encouraging trust in God’s provision for daily needs, using examples from nature to illustrate that God cares for all creation, especially his image bearers whom he values more than the birds of the sky or the lilies of the field. It concludes by advising not to worry about tomorrow, as each day has its own challenges. Toward the end of the passage Jesus says,
32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
In God’s omniscience, he knows where you are and what you need. Furthermore, Jesus says in our text,
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
If God allows even the fall of sparrows, then surely, no disciple faces persecution without His awareness. The loving God who has counted every hair on your head has also counted the days of your life. The Psalmist says
15 My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began.
His wonderful plan for each of His disciples isn't hindered by the trials they face. He is soverign over every moment. Your days on this earth will not be cut short because of persecution. You may die by the hand of a persecutor, but only in the will of God has works all things for your good (Romans 8:28). Nevertheless, his sovereignty is a comfort to you, because he is soverign over the moment.
The Spirit empowers you to be faithful
The Spirit empowers you to be faithful
Jesus promised his Spirit to his disciples. With the Spirit's empowerment, they are now wonderfully equipped to share the gospel, even in the most challenging times. And guess what? You have the same Spirit empowering you! He'll help you bear witness to those who oppose you. The Holy Spirit is here to remind you that your spirit resonates with His (Romans 8:16). Even when the fight is so hard that you cannot find the words to pray, He intercedes for you (Romans 8:27). He brings comfort to your heart and strengthens it for every good work (2 Thessalonians 2:17). So, there's no need to fear or worry! You don’t have to be anxious about facing pain or imprisonment- Jesus is always by your side.
Let's take a moment to reflect on Paul’s extraordinary ministry. Paul, the one who bravely endured suffering for the sake of Jesus, faced rejection from his own people and even experienced being stoned by pagans in Lystra. Despite constantly being imprisoned, feeling hungry, and fleeing for his life, he might have felt a bit weary and even discouraged at times. But was Jesus ever absent during Paul’s struggles? Was He distant from Paul’s hardships? Not at all! In Acts 18:9-10, we see a beautiful moment where Jesus draws near to Paul, saying, “Don't be afraid; keep on speaking, and don't be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” Jesus empowered Paul to keep joyfully advancing the kingdom of God by making much of Jesus.
Jesus’ Spirit gives you the courage to share His message: repent and believe. You can remain steadfast in spreading the gospel, even when facing challenges the Lord has ordained for you. Like the disciples, you can be bold, even in the most daunting situations, transforming the world into the kingdom of God. This reflects the heart of our Christian mission: responding to fear with faith, shining brightly in the darkest places, just as Jesus taught us to bear witness to His salvation. Jesus’ Spirit empowers you. So do not be anxious.
Flee to safety (10:23)
Flee to safety (10:23)
23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Wisdom says, there is a time to run. Jesus says, when you are persecuted, flee to the next city. Once again, there were many times in Paul’s ministry when his best Great Commission move was to flee. Early in his ministry, he was preaching in Damascus Jesus as the Messiah. Paul, once a persecutor of the Christian became their Champion, and the movement grew, so much so, that the religious Jews set their heart to kill Paul (Acts 9:20-23). Paul became aware of their plot. He didn’t show them down in the public square. He didn’t cower in the corner of the room. He fled. The disciples lowered him out of a window down the wall in a basket. Being wise as serpents means you must navigate the field of the Harvest wisely. There is a time to stand your ground.
In 1521, Martin Luther, a Catholic monk and theologian, was summoned to the Diet of Worms, a meeting of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and other powerful figures, to recant his writings and beliefs, which challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. Luther was asked to renounce his teachings, particularly those related to the sale of indulgences and the role of the Bible in Christian life. Luther initially requested 24 hours to consider his response, but when pressed, he famously declared,
"Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Holy Scriptures or by plain and clear reason, I cannot and will not recant, for I cannot act against my conscience. Here I stand, I can do no other. God help me. Amen”
Martin Luther Luther stood his ground and accepted the sovereign will of God. But there are times when you must be like Paul, and get in the basket. But when you flee, is for the sake of safety, or does Jesus have other plans for your fleeing? Is it to just get out of harms way, or is it a strategy for joyfully advancing the kingdom of God?
Jesus says, “you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” In the context, Jesus means to say, the disciples response to Jewish persecution is to shake off the dust on your feet and keep moving. You will never run out of an opportunity to share the gospel in Israel until the Son of man comes. In our context, the Christian, for as long as God gives you breath, must flee with the notion that you are to keep sharing the gospel. As R.T. France notes, do not be cowed into giving up your mission, nor must you waste time ‘flogging a dead horse’. Be like the brothers and sisters in Acts 8:4
4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
Be wise and know when it is time to flee, but flee to the ends of the earth preaching the word.
Refuse to be silent (10:26–27)
Refuse to be silent (10:26–27)
26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
In verse 26, Jesus reveals our tendency to fear man. So, he commands us, “Do not fear them.” The them are those who threaten you comfort, your reputation, your livelihood, even your life. Despite their threats, you are to proclaim the good news. When Jesus started his ministry, he said,
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
He shared this with the Jews, the Pharisees, the Scribes, and even the Romans. He boldly proclaimed the gospel, despite facing opposition. His commitment to the truth and his deep love for His Father drove him to fulfill his mission. Alongside this calling, he invites us to uncover the mysteries of the truth and joyfully share his message from the rooftops: repent, for the kingdom of God is near! The idea in verse 26 that everything must be brought to light appears not only in the similar passage of Luke 12:2 but also connects with the saying about the lamp under the bushel in Mark 4:22 and Luke 8:17. In each instance, the context emphasizes our duty to witness rather than making a general observation. Verse 27 then transforms this duty into a clear command: Jesus’ private teachings are meant to be shared publicly (and the flat rooftops serve as a perfect stage for such announcements). The parallel in Luke 12:3 highlights the certainty that these teachings will be made public (R.T. France).
Throughout history, God’s people have faced oppressive rulers and the fear of man. Yet, Jesus urges us to transcend our fears and showcase God's love to those who are lost. Take Daniel, for example; even while facing the threat of death in the lion’s den, he remained vocal about his faith. He continued to pray and worship in public, despite a decree forbidding it. His bravery not only saved his life but also exemplified steadfast faith to a king. We, too, are called to boldly proclaim Jesus, trusting that God will will be with us in our difficulties.
Fear the Judge who can kill both body and soul over earthly judges
Fear the Judge who can kill both body and soul over earthly judges
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
In contrast to the fear of man is the fear of God. Jesus makes it very clear that we are not to fear anyone just because that person or group of people can take your life. Your persecutors power is limited. They can take you head, but they cannot have your heart. Jesus says, you must fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell. He is not referring to the Devil. Satan has not power over your soul. He is speaking of the Father. God the Father is the only one who can judge you to an eternity of his wrath. Therefore, you would b wise to fear the Lord for your souls sake.
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, one of the great dissidents of the Soviet Union, spent years in the Soviet gulags. After he was finally released, he was asked how he had been able to endure the torment and the torture in his captivity. He said that he knew he was defenseless against the torture of his body, but he kept reminding himself that the Soviets had no instrument of pain that was strong enough to pierce his mind and his soul. Therefore, he focused on the well-being of his soul, not his body. The fear of the Lord is what you need to overcome the fear of man. Fear the heavenly judge more than earthly persecutors.
Realize that God knows about your suffering and he cares for you (10:29–31)
Realize that God knows about your suffering and he cares for you (10:29–31)
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
A sparrow, or small bird, were a cheap food for the poor (though also pets for the rich; Catullus, Carmina ii, iii); they are listed as the cheapest of the birds sold for food in a third-century AD decree, and yet the God who can send your soul to hell cares for even the sparrow. If God cares for a sparrow, the cheapest of all birds, how much more will he care for you, his image bearer? We’ve already seen God’s sovereignty in this passage, but it worth noting how intimately he knows you and cares about your fears and anxieties. Every small detail of your life, even the hairs on your head are in his care.
The Lord says through the prophet Isaiah,
4 I will be the same until your old age, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will bear and rescue you.
Peter reminds us,
7 cast all your cares on him, because he cares about you.
Realize your Father knows your suffering. Do not fear, you are so valuable to Him that he sent his Son to die for you. He raised him from the dead to give you eternal life. Paul says,
32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Furthermore, in regards to your persecution, Paul asks us,
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Though the days are wicked, it's good to remember that Paul reminds us that as we grow in our love for Jesus, we might face opposition for our faith. Pastor Ajay Babu is currently living this truth, along with many of our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. This reality may also touch the lives of many of us, including our children and grandchildren. As Christians, facing persecution can feel scary. The thought of imprisonment or worse because of your faith is truly heartbreaking, not just for you but for all who care about you. It can feel isolating at times. But take heart, dear brothers and sisters! Jesus has promised to walk alongside you through every trial. He will cherish each moment of your suffering. God is able to turn your challenges into opportunities to share the gospel. He is painting a beautiful transformation in your heart, preparing you for untold joy, and shaping you into the image of His Son. Through you, He will radiate the power, beauty, and worth of His Son, all for His glorious purpose.
