Stands Strong Against Bullies

By Mary Vee
Matthew 10

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple, a follower of Jesus. I and the other disciples have listened to Jesus teach for a while. 

Jesus gathered we twelve disciples and gave us an interesting assignement. He felt we had learned what we needed to carry on this project. 

We were to go in teams to cities not yet visited by Jesus. Teach the people His teachings. Heal the sick. And help the people. In the last two posts below this one you can see what He has said to prepare us for this mission. Here is what he said next:

"People will realize you are talking about a living God and not some idol they have worshiped. They will be offended and angry. They will turn against you because you bring my message. Don't quit. Stand firm to the end. Your strength and faith will be worth all you experience in the end. You are not after success. That is God's business. You are after survival and the continued teaching of my truth. And don't worry. Before you run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived. 

"At times this will be a difficult task for you. A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. All the student must do is to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. There are those who have called me Beelzebub, sadly, they will do the same to you. Don't let this stop you. Soon everyone will know the truth. Stand strong. Don't hesitate to complete this mission.

"I have taught you hidden meanings to my teachings in private. Take these and tell the people. Don't be afraid of those who threaten you. They are bullies who may even kill you. And while what the bully says and does may frighten you, the one who should be feared is the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 

"Think of a small sparrow. Two are sold for only a penny. God cares about what may happen to that bird even more than you do. So don't be intimidated by those who threaten you. You are worth more to God than many sparrows.


I thought about his warnings. What all could happen to us while we were gone. The assignment seemed scary in a way. Exciting in another. Jesus didn't send us just yet. He taught us more before we left. I'll share that next time.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.