Tag: student like teacher
A student will become like his teacher!
Scripture reading for January 14th: Matthew 10
Key scriptures: Matthew 10:24-25, 28 “”A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household. . . . Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Jesus plainly taught His disciples that persecution would be their lot from others, often members of their own household. After all, Jesus was a Jew and His own countrymen turned on Him, some accusing Him of being demon-possessed and others plotting His murder–for religious reasons, of course!
However, Jesus’ disciples must continue to share the good news and preach truth without regard for those who opposed them. Their fear or respect for God must always be above a fear of man–even their own family! The fear of man could be the snare of the enemy that would take Jesus’ followers to their destruction in Hell! Jesus taught them that hell was a real place where the devil and his followers would spend eternity suffering for their lack of fear of God.
Observation for over-comers: As we follow Jesus, we are being transformed to be more like Him each day. This brings persecution from those in rebellion. Don’t fear their taunts, Christ has overcome! “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)
Delegated authority!
Scripture reading for January 14th: Matthew 10
Man was created in the image of God. Part of that image was the ability to exercise dominion and rule over the earth. (Genesis 1:27-28) In the Garden of Eden, man chose to disobey God and took the bait of Satan to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of good and evil. The result was death, separation from God, sickness, sweat, and the curse. Jesus came to restore the image of God in man and gave those who followed Him authority over the powers of darkness. “He called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” (Matthew 10:1)
Jesus sent these disciples to the lost sheep of Israel. He told them not to take along any provisions but to live by faith and look for those God provided to care for them. They were to minister without charge and bless those that received them with a blessing of peace. However Jesus warned them: “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” (Matthew 10:14-15) These instructions tell us the seriousness of preaching the Word of God and allowing God to use us for the ministry of healing and deliverance.
Knowing Jesus brings us into the realm of delegated authority to declare the Kingdom of God. Jesus desires that His disciples walk in power and declare the victory of the cross over sin, sickness and demonic bondage! When people won’t listen, they bring judgment on themselves!