21 “Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:21–22 ESV)
Many believers in Christ have experienced persecution through the centuries for their commitment to the Gospel. Many have encountered harassment from members of their own family. Jesus acknowledged that this would happen. John 16:33 (ESV) says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Persecution and the harassment of Christians because of the Gospel may even extend to their families. Relationships within the family unit may become strained when one or more family members become believers in Christ. Misunderstanding and even downright hostility can occur (Matthew 10:34-36).
Jesus said a brother will deliver another brother over to execution. A father will do the same to his child, and children may do such against their parents. Commitment to Christ may have devastating consequences.
Jesus continued to say that His disciples, and in this context the apostles, would be hated by all kinds of people because of Jesus. However, those who endure such persecution and never renounce their faith evidence they are true followers of Christ.
“Jesus’ disciples have the privilege of carrying his name, but the antagonism and hatred that is directed toward him will naturally shift to them,” explains Dr. John MacArthur. (See 2 Tim. 2:11–13 and Jude 21).
“In a culture where family loyalty was essential and honor of parents paramount, these words would have sounded unbelievably harsh,” states commentator Craig Keener.
“These words of the Lord probably had an application beyond His own lifetime. What was proclaimed here was more fully demonstrated in the apostles’ lives after the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) in the spread of the gospel in the church (e.g., Acts 4:1–13; 5:17–18, 40; 7:54–60). But these words will find their fullest manifestation in the days of the Tribulation when the gospel will be carried throughout the entire world before Jesus Christ returns in power and glory to establish His kingdom on the earth (Matt. 24:14),” shares Dr. John Walvoord.
Are you ready for the conflict that comes with following Jesus? If you will not stand up for Jesus today when you talk to unbelieving friends and family members, will you be prepared to stand up against more hostile adversaries?
Soli deo Gloria!
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