To review, this passage is about Jesus sending out His disciples and the instructions He gave them. He warned them that the opposition, particularly the Pharisees, would be like wolves. They were "sheep" that surely had to trust their Shepherd. Jesus also instructs them to be wise, yet harmless. We too may face hostility toward our Christian testimony. We are not to be gullible, neither are we to be combative and mean-spirited. Like the disciples, we must depend on Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He promised the disciples (then and now) that the Holy Spirit would give the words to say when we encounter opposition. vv. 19-20 In order for the Holy Spirit to work in this way, we must make a practice of listening to God through His Word and speaking to Him in prayer.
Hardships to the believer may come from the outside, but it's possible that they may come from the inside as well. Family and friends may turn on us because of Jesus. When we look at v. 22, "enduring to the end" is not a way to be saved, but rather evidence that we do indeed know the Lord. Perseverance is a result of our faith.
vv.24-25 remind us that Jesus, who was perfect, was called Beelzebub (another name for Satan). We, His followers, should not be surprised if at some time or other we too are called evil.
Psalm 95:8-11
We have seen in this beautiful psalm that we are to
- praise the Lord with singing and thanksgiving. vv. 1-5
- worship and bow down before Him. vv. 6-7
- be obedient. "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts..." The psalmist then gives the example of the Israelites as they wandered in the desert before being allowed into the promised land. They grieved and angered God for forty long years! Because of their rebellion, that whole generation was not allowed into the promised land. God's Word and His will are not to be trifled with. Let's not be like those ancient people who resisted God, but let us joyfully and willingly obey Him!
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