"A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!

Matthew 10:24-25

The first verse sounds like a good principle, disciples not above the teachers, nor the slaves above their masters. But this is not about theoretical ideals. These verses were spoken by Jesus as a word of warning and encouragement to the disciples as they proclaim in words and in deeds the rule and reign of God or the Kingdom of Heaven. These verses should be read in their proper context.

Who is Beelzebul? Jesus’ power to cast out demons was attributed to Beelzebul by the Scribes and some people. This is what they said, And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons." Mark 3:22 (see also Luke 11:15). So if Jesus has been labeled Beelzebul, those who follow him will also be maligned like him.

Advocating something that is contrary to popular opinion or the usual practice of the time is always meet with strong resistance and often times violent reactions from those who benefit the status quo. Why rock the boat, as people say. So most prefer to let the things stay as is – no changes whatsoever, if ever change is inevitable, it should be done in such a way that it will not irritate and bring discomfort to people. But the kingdom of Heaven always stands in sharp contrast with the ways of the world. One cannot follow Christ and walk comfortably in the highway of easy living without accountability to God. And the irony of it all is that resistance to God’s way of doing things come from those who claim to belong to God.

What Jesus is saying is that we should be prepared. He is our Master. He is our Teacher. And we should expect the same kind of treatment the way he was treated. If possible we pray that we will be spared with all of this but Jesus want us to have reasonable expectations. The kingdom of heaven is the good news but not everybody receives it as such. It is bad news to those whose interests and lifestyles are threaten. But for us who know and experience new life in Christ – his rule and reign is a welcome and a joyful development. We share this good news with the prayer and the hope that others will also share the greatest joy and the profound peace that we found in Christ.  Jesus only warns us of the possible consequence of the message.

Prayer

Jesus, our Teacher, our Master

Give us the strength to walk with you.

Amen.

[Like a seed planted in the soil, it is our prayer that God's Word will grow in us as we nurture it in our hearts. Allow the seed to germinate. Your reflections and responses are welcome. Please click on the Add a new comment icon below.] Past Daily Devotions are archived at the bottom of the Sermons page.