Matthew 10:16-26

Jesus taught the apostles to not fear men Matthew 10:16-26 : The apostles were taught to both expect and prepare for persecution. They were to accept their cross and take it up for Jesus. Just as He continued His work, while persecuted, the apostles must also continue their work while suffering persecution. Jesus used the expression, "sheep in the midst of wolves" to show how severe persecutions would become.

The Lord warned the apostles to prepare for persecution. They would be hated, beaten, refused and rejected. But Jesus said, "Therefore do not fear them." No doubt the worst of all the persecution came from rejection and hurt by their own kin. "Brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child..." (Matthew 10:21-22) Jesus has always dealt fairly with humanity telling them both the best and the worst that they can expect in His service! "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)