Straight Talk for Shepherds – part 1 (Matthew 10:16-23)
Straight Talk for Shepherds
Matthew 10:16-23
June 12, 2011
If you’ll remember, we left off last week
With Jesus telling the disciples how infinitely valuable they were to Him.
He Gave them Power
He Gave them the Plan
And He told them they were so valuable that whoever didn’t listen to them,
It would be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah
In the day of judgment than for that city.
Christ so desperately wants the lost sheep found
That He puts a high value on anyone who will search for them.
And it was vitally important that He reiterate that to the 12.
For in our text this morning they will learn about their value in the world.
And as we said last week, they have no value.
Those who go into the world to search for Christ’s sheep will be hated.
The world just doesn’t value someone
Who works for a God they have rejected.
So here Jesus tells the twelve what they can expect.
If you ever wondered what true ministry is like, this is it.
Jesus doesn’t sugar coat it.
Many people begin ministry expecting it to be this glamorous road,
Where everyone admires you and looks up to you.
At least at first:
The disciples followed Jesus because He was the Messiah.
They expected Him to be gloriously powerful.
And they expected to be the same for following Him.
IT IS THAT TYPE OF THINKING THAT JESUS IS WARNING THEM OF
Many today jump on the Jesus train under the same false pre-tenses.
They expect ministry to be glorious, and easy.
However, that isn’t the case.
The world hates Jesus, and so it stands to reason
That the world will hate the cause of Jesus.
WE MUST LEARN THE COST, SO WE AREN’T CAUGHT OFF GUARD.
And the fact is, that whether you are following Jesus
Or serving in His name, IT IS NEVER EASY.
Remember the men earlier who wanted to follow?
Matthew 8:19-22 “Then a scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Another of the disciples said to Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.”
Jesus was always upfront with His followers,
He wants us to know the truth, and count the cost.
He wants His followers to be willing to endure.
Jesus wants us to know the cost of true ministry.
BUT IT IS NOT AS THOUGH HE IS GIVING US A CHOICE.
The choice is made in whether or not we initially follow.
But once we decide to follow, we no longer have a choice.
Matthew 10:5 says, “These twelve Jesus sent out…”
It doesn’t say He asked for volunteers.
Jesus doesn’t tell us the dangers so we can make a choice
About whether or not we want to obey.
He tells us how difficult it will be, so when it happens
We won’t be confused and discouraged.
So this sermon is not about giving us an option,
This sermon is about preparing us for the inevitable.
And so here Jesus warns us against 5 responses we may have.
#1 DON’T BE DUMB
Matthew 10:16
Movie: “Forest Gump”
When Forest gets to Vietnam, his commander gave him some advice.
He said, “Try not to do anything stupid, like getting yourself killed.”
REALIZE THE DANGER, AND DON’T DO ANYTHING DUMB.
This is not so different from what Jesus is telling His disciples.
He wants them to be aware of the danger they are in,
So they don’t do anything dumb.
First, He reveals the DANGER.
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves;”
And this is very insightful.
Up until now we may have been getting a pretty high view of ourselves.
Jesus has lost sheep, and I am going to get them back.
He wants me to shepherd His flock.
So now, as a faithful shepherd, I will go get those lost sheep.
And then Jesus reveals something very important.
WE ARE SHEEP TOO!
Romans 8:36 “Just as it is written, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.”
• That means that we are just as prone to wandering…
• We are just as defenseless…
• We are just as mindless…
• We are just as helpless as those we are looking for.
He is sending us out, but we are far from invincible.
The same dangers that plagued the lost sheep can get us too.
That is why we read of passages in the Scriptures
About protecting ourselves.
Ephesians 6:13 “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”
We are doing a shepherd’s work,
But that does not mean we aren’t sheep ourselves.
And since we are sheep, we must be on guard.
Because we are “sheep in the midst of wolves”
Picture a pack of hungry wolves.
Picture a sheep in the middle of the pack.
THAT DANGER IS THE SAME DANGER A CHRISTIAN FACES.
Don’t assume they will love you, because they won’t.
They are out to devour you, they are out to kill you.
First, He reveals the danger.
Second, He gives SOUND ADVICE.
“So be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”
Be smart and be out of reach.
“Be shrewd as serpents.”
We know about serpents.
Genesis 3:1a “Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.”
In Egyptian hieroglyphics,
The serpent represented wisdom.
And Jesus tells us to be wise or shrewd like they are.
Understand that there are people looking to crucify you,
Don’t provide the nails.
Ted Traylor on being interviewed by the news.
He said, “If somebody from the news calls your house, and wants to ask you a question, don’t say something stupid. Don’t say something dumb.”
He went on to say, “E-mail’s have killed us, because we get mad and just (type away) and then press SEND!”
He said, “Every Baptist ought to have a warning light on their computer when they did that that just flashed, STUPID, STUPID, STUPID.”
Today we could add things like TWITTER
His rationale was simple.
Don’t give the world a hammer to beat you in the head with.
Peter said it like this:
1 Peter 4:15-16 “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”
Peter knew suffering was certain enough
Without us giving added reasons to make it occur.
Don’t be dumb and cause yourself added grief.
• This doesn’t mean we stay quiet about our faith…
• This doesn’t mean we avoid dangerous areas…
• This doesn’t mean we avoid controversial topics…
IT JUST MEANS THAT WE DON’T MAKE THINGS FOR OURSELVES
Be smart about what you say and do.
There are people who will take your tongue and hang you by it.
SO WATCH WHAT YOU SAY UNLESS IT IS THE HILL TO DIE ON.
Then tell them to let the hammers fly!
And
“be…innocent as doves.”
Be innocent.
In other words, don’t give them opportunity to convict you.
This is precisely what Paul had in mind when he wrote the qualifications for an overseer or a shepherd of God’s flock.
1 Timothy 3:2 “An overseer, then, must be above reproach…”
1 Timothy 3:7 “And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
We can all think of preachers who lost their innocence, and their ministry.
For goodness sakes people, the world is wolves,
And they are seeking to kill us. Don’t be stupid.
It isn’t even that hard to imagine today.
Imagine if you decided to run for president. (and where a threat)
Within a few hours the opposing party would have dirt on you,
Like you couldn’t imagine and it would be all over the news.
How much more would the god of this world, seek to bring down someone who is out to rescue the sheep back from him?
So the first thing Jesus tells them, is don’t be dumb.
#2 DON’T BE DECEIVED
Matthew 10:17-18
Jesus says here to look out for, or beware of men.
They will hand you over…
This is a very simple message.
When you are out there, don’t let your guard down.
People today are often shocked by the hatred of the world.
Even in Scripture this happened.
Psalms 44:9-16 “Yet You have rejected us and brought us to dishonor, And do not go out with our armies. You cause us to turn back from the adversary; And those who hate us have taken spoil for themselves. You give us as sheep to be eaten And have scattered us among the nations. You sell Your people cheaply, And have not profited by their sale. You make us a reproach to our neighbors, A scoffing and a derision to those around us. You make us a byword among the nations, A laughingstock among the peoples. All day long my dishonor is before me And my humiliation has overwhelmed me, Because of the voice of him who reproaches and reviles, Because of the presence of the enemy and the avenger.”
They were absolutely shocked that they were hated,
And that they were treated poorly.
Consider Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 20:7-8 “O LORD, You have deceived me and I was deceived; You have overcome me and prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; Everyone mocks me. For each time I speak, I cry aloud; I proclaim violence and destruction, Because for me the word of the LORD has resulted In reproach and derision all day long.”
Jeremiah was shocked, but he shouldn’t have been.
Listen to what God told him when He called him.
Jeremiah 1:19 “They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.”
AND WE SHOULDN’T BE SHOCKED EITHER.
John said:
1 John 3:13 “Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you.”
Peter said:
1 Peter 4:12 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;”
Don’t be deceived into thinking that the world is on your side.
John 17:14 “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
We are going in an opposite direction of this world.
They lust after sin…We crave after righteousness
They love darkness…We are children of light
They are of the evil one…We are of our heavenly Father
They are headed for judgment…We are headed for glory
SO DON’T BE DECEIVED ABOUT THEM.
“They will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.”
Don’t expect leniency.
(not even in religious institutions, i.e. synagogue)
They will hand you over. And God will let them,
“as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles”
Luke says it like this:
Luke 21:12-14 “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. “It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. “So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;”
Sometimes the only way to witness to a king is to stand trial before him.
God used this to allow Paul to witness to Festus, Felix, and Agrippa.
Don’t be dumb Don’t be deceived.
#3 DON’T BE DISTRESSED
Matthew 10:19-20
Now, what do we mean when we say distressed?
In other words, don’t worry.
Now, I know we said to be careful what you say and do,
And don’t give the world an opportunity to beat you.
We said don’t underestimate the power of the enemy.
But in doing this, don’t be so worried,
And so afraid that you fail to do anything at all.
WHY?
“for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.”
Luke says it like this:
Luke 21:15 “for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.”
You don’t know what you would say now, but “in that hour” you will.
God will make sure the words come to you.
But even at that, this promise was made to the apostles.
We don’t even have to fret this, for we have the New Testament.
And that is not the only reason we don’t have to worry.
(20) “For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of you Father who speaks in you.”
THAT IS HUGE!
The Holy Spirit will speak for us.
• The One who knows the hearts of all men…
• The One who convicts the world of sin righteousness and judgment…
• The One who guides us into all truth…
• The One who glorifies Jesus…
HE WILL SPEAK
Certainly we don’t have to worry.
Jesus tells them,
There is a good possibility they will be arrested and punished.
But when that happens, don’t worry about what you will say.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT BLOWING YOUR WITNESS,
DON’T WORRY ABOUT SOUNDING DUMB.
Don’t be so gripped with the fear of failure that you refuse to try.
And did He ever come through!
Acts 4:13 “Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.”
We are going out into the world, and we should be cautious,
Because the danger is real,
However, don’t be so afraid of failing that we don’t go,
Because God is our strength.
If He is on our side, speaking through us, we cannot fail.
So don’t let the danger deceive you,
But don’t let the danger cause you to do nothing either.
Don’t be dumb, don’t be deceived, don’t be distressed.
#4 DON’T BE DISCOURAGED
Matthew 10:21-22
Now, at this point, if you are human, and I’m assuming you are.
You are probably giving this ministry thing a good second thinking.
• We are sent into enemy territory.
• We are all but promised that some will be captured.
• Persecution will occur, but God will be present.
At first, that sounds pretty rough,
Some must be thinking, “But that’s suicide. You’ve got to be kidding.”
He has said,
I’m putting you in very grave danger, you can’t expect safety,
They will capture you, and scourge you, and take you before kings,
But don’t worry when you get there, you’ll know exactly what to say.
That doesn’t sound very promising to me.
I wanted Him to say, “But when you are handed over, do not worry about being killed, for I have given you the super Holy Spirit force field, and anyone who touches you will be immediately vaporized, and they will set you free with their apologies.”
But the fact that all He promised was we would be told what to say,
Doesn’t sound very reassuring does it?
That is why Jesus points out this next point.
Now He continues to tell them the truth, that the danger is real,
And the deception is even worse.
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all because of My name…”
Then Jesus says, “But Don’t Be Discouraged.”
”but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.”
He promises us that salvation is on the other side.
Don’t be discouraged to face death,
For all they can do by killing you is speed up your salvation.
Matthew 10:28 “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
It is true, that if you follow Jesus in this world, it could cost you your life.
However, He tells us not to allow that fact to discourage us,
Because by enduring to the end, you will secure your salvation.
It takes being focused on the eternal.
So as we are Christians in enemy territory, Jesus tells us:
don’t be dumb, don’t be deceived, don’t be distressed, don’t be discouraged.
#5 DON’T BE DISTRACTED
Matthew 10:23
The danger we will face, is absolutely true, it is coming.
But in the midst of all the danger,
WE CANNOT ALLOW THAT TO STOP US.
YOU SEE FEAR IS THE OPPOSITE OF FAITH.
YOU CANNOT WALK IN FEAR AND FAITH AT THE SAME TIME.
Now does that mean you can’t be afraid while you walk in faith? No.
Jesus was very grieved the night before He was to be crucified.
He was fighting the human instinct of survival.
Luke 22:39-44 “And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. When He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.”
He was aware of the danger,
And part of His humanity didn’t want to proceed,
But the blessing is that Jesus didn’t allow Himself to get distracted.
Despite wanting to quit, He said, “yet not My will, but Yours be done.”
Milton Horner – “Man I hear that Christians are being killed right and left over in some of those third-world countries. I want to get in on some of that.”
All I could say was, “I don’t.”
I’ll be honest with you folks, I am in no hurry to be a martyr.
“I am a natural born coward.”
Martyrdom doesn’t excite me, any more than it excited Jesus,
But He doesn’t ask you to be excited, He only wants you to be focused.
He says, don’t allow your fears, and don’t allow the opposition
To distract you from doing what God has called you to do.
“whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next…”
Just keep going.
“you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.”
In other words, the search for lost sheep never ends this side of eternity.
We search with our dying breath!
Ministry is no cake walk.
To the world, a Christian looks weak.
That is exactly how a sheep looks to a wolf.
But if you want to be the minister God has called you to be,
You will be anything but that.
It is no easy calling, but it is the only calling that ends in glory.
Matthew 9:37-38 “Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. “Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
It is fitting that we conclude this thought with the Lord’s Supper.
For after studying that the Lord asks us to lay down our lives for Him,
We remember that He already laid down His life for us.
IS THERE ANY WAY WE COULD SAY NO?
In fact, that is partly what taking the Lord’s Supper is all about.
1 Corinthians 11:26 “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
Partaking of this is a confession.
It is similar to that of James and John.
Mark 10:37-40 “They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. “But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When we partake of the cup, we are saying the same.
Christ gave His life for me, I give my life for Him.
As is customary this morning before we partake,
We will have a time of preparation.
