New Testament Journey Day 44: Matthew 10:16-40. Jesus is preparing the disciples for persecution.

As mentioned last post- this is a lot of verses so I’m breaking this section up. Today we are looking at vs. 26-32

“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!

Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows – one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.” – Matthew 10:26-34

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, but he did not come to bring the kind of peace that glosses over deep differences just for the sake of superficial harmony. Conflict and disagreement will arise between those who choose to follow Christ and those who don’t when we stand in the truth, call what the bible says is sin, sin and preach repentance (and right now that’s not very popular). Yet we can look forward to the day when all conflict will be resolved.

For other verses on Jesus as peacemaker, see Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 5:9; John 14:27