Matthew 10:25, commentary and pictures

As He sent His disciples out as His representatives to carry the gospel, Jesus warned them that they would meet the same opposition He met, even to councils, scourging, and trial before rulers. It is sufficient for learners and servants to share their Master's portion, so they must not expect better treatment than He received but be willing to endure the same hatred, reproach, false accusation, and suffering. As the Pharisees slandered the sinless Master of the household as having a devil and working by Beelzebub, those of His household must not be surprised when they are likewise maligned and given reproachful names. That prospect must not make them fearful or silent, but they are to openly avow their principles, unfurl their colors before the world, angels, and men, and stand bravely for the right even when it is dangerous. When opposed they are not to throw away life needlessly but to flee from city to city still preaching the truth, enduring to the end, and sharing their Master's life of prayerful dependence, self-denial, and separation from worldly ways.

Setting and Meaning

Jesus spoke these words as instruction when sending the disciples out as his representatives, after they had learned from his example and teaching but still needed experience working on their own where they would meet opposition from enemies of the gospel. The saying belongs to a chapter full of instruction for the present time, warning disciples that they would face opposition in carrying out their mission, with its trials to be experienced in the fullest sense. It comes after his list of persecutions for his name's sake: deliverance to councils, scourging in synagogues, and trial before governors and kings for a testimony, with the Spirit of the Father speaking through them when they are delivered up.

It is enough for the disciple to be as his master and the servant as his lord, so followers must expect to be treated as their Master was treated, with the same hatred, reproach, insult, persecution, false accusation, and maligning. They must not claim exemption above their Lord, expect no better treatment, and expect no freedom from trials, but be willing to share in his suffering. If the master of the house was called Beelzebub, those of his household will be called so much more. The Pharisees accused Jesus of having a devil and casting out demons by Beelzebub, so his followers should not be surprised when they too are slandered and given reproachful names.

Jesus endured reproach, shame, contempt, scorn, misunderstanding, and unkind judgment even though his life was pure, blameless, and perfect in character. His life rebuked sin and stirred hatred among those opposed to God's law, leading to demands for his crucifixion. That hatred came from those cherishing their own spirit and the feelings of an unrenewed, unsanctified heart.

Courageous Witness Under Opposition

The disciple is to be content to be as his Master and the servant as his Lord, even when the Master of the house was called Beelzebub and those of His household are called so much more, and therefore must not fear persecutors. To expect the same hatred and reproach that fell on Christ, even to be slandered and persecuted as He was, is a warning not to let fear of such treatment prevent faithful service. Being misrepresented as He was misrepresented does not excuse silence or concealment. The light received is to be openly given to others, principles of action avowed, concealment scorned, and colors unfurled as a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. Responsibility is not to be shunned, God and Baal are not to be served together, but disciples are to stand bravely for the right so the world may know where they will be found in time of trial, even when doing so is dangerous.

Persecution does not release from the work but requires its continuance under changed conditions. Lives are not to be needlessly imperiled while ways of escape remain, but when persecuted in one city disciples are to flee into another and still bear the Bible message, speaking in the light and preaching upon the housetops what Christ has told them. Even amid Satan's anger they are to keep warning, reproving, comforting, and encouraging. Ministers sent as sheep among wolves will be delivered up, scourged, hated, and persecuted for Christ's name, but he that endures to the end shall be saved.

Sharing the Master's Life

To share the Master's portion is to share His dependence, for resisting temptation and doing one's appointed work requires strength sought from God through prayer and submission to the Father. If He needed that strength, His followers need it all the more. He sought strength from His Father through prayer and valued that strength above the pleasures of a luxurious table, and His followers should likewise prize prayer and God's strength over unhealthy, unnecessary luxuries.

It is enough for the disciple to be as his Master and the servant as his Lord by following the path He has trod before them. That likeness is to be shown by measuring business dealings with the world by heavenly principles and revealing heaven's principles in work. It brings in no corrupting sharp dealing, but willingly stands apart as pilgrims and strangers from worldly practices contrary to God's Word. Following His plans and methods of work gives strength to every soul.

A disciple is not above his master, and should expect to share his Master's path of self-denial and sacrifice. Christ left heavenly honor and became poor so that fallen people could receive eternal riches. His followers must likewise accept self-denial and sacrifice rather than seek earthly treasure or gratify self.