10:19,20
We continue with the theme of the disciples being God’s witnesses. If we were to appear before some powerful leader, even for a good reason, we would wonder what we would say. If we were to be hauled up on some criminal charge we would worry all the more. Jesus tells them, and us, not to worry. For we are not there on our behalf, but on God’s behalf, and the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say. We can expect supernatural help. Needless to say, this promise here has nothing at all to do with normal preaching! We are God’s witnesses and we are involved in His work. This is the perspective that we need to have, but one that our human nature will work against.
10:21
There is absolutely no sugar-coating of the life of an apostle or disciple! Brother will betray brother. Parents will betray children, and children their parents. And this will be done even involving death. Our relationship to Christ, and our relationship to Christian brothers and sisters is more important than family relationships. Now we need to fully understand this and take it on board, but we also need to properly understand it. Jesus is not saying that every family relationship will break down, but that some will go the way He is describing here. Moreover, we must observe the commandment to honour our father and mother. But if we are betrayed by a close family member it will be exceedingly painful, but nothing out of the ordinary is happening.
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