Matthew 10:16-25

The Gospel of Matthew

Session 22 – 2/16/2014

Fr. John Codis

Matt 10:16-25; The Challenge of the King to His messengers, The Prudence of the King’s Messenger, The Coming of The King, The Kings’ Messenger and the King’s Sufferings

 

Opening Thoughts and Basis for discussion

We are all called to become witnesses and by extension sufferer for Christ.  The knowledge an acceptance of which will not conform to today’s societal standards.

To be aware of the honesty of Jesus is paramount to understand the life of a Christian.  Christ was completely honest as if he said, “Here is my task for you – at its grimmest and at its worst – do you accept it?”

All Christians will be persecuted to a degree it is with an open heart and mind and spirit that we must endure and be comforted in the fact that we are trading in the footsteps of Christ.

“God grace is not meant to protect the foolhardy, but the prudent.”

The world offers ease Christ offers the Kingdom

We must teach each other that we cannot bring people into the church with the knowledge that life is easy.  We are warned that the state, church and family will conjoin to be against us, those who strive to follow in the footsteps of Christ. 

Reasons for Persecution

Cannibalism, non-admittance of Emperor as king and god, the tampering of family relations, position of slaves. 

“Christianity preaches a view of man which no totalitarian state can accept.  Christianity deliberately aims to obliterate certain trades and professions and ways of making money.  It still does – and therefore the Christian is still liable to persecution for his faith.”

King’s Messenger and the King’s Sufferings

Christ warns us that as He had to carry a cross, so also the individual must carry a cross.

The Christian not only is to share in Christ’s glory but also in his suffering.