The Finished Word

To follow Jesus requires a lifetime of self-denial and sacrificial service for others and a willingness to lose everything for the Gospel . When Jesus dispatched his disciples to announce the “ Good News ” to the “ lost sheep of Israel ,” he warned that they would find themselves as “ sheep among wolves .” Hostile men would haul them before “ councils and whip them in their synagogues ,” and they would be hated “ by all men for my sake .” That was the harsh reality Christ’s disciples discovered when they proclaimed his message to the world.

Our natural tendency is to avoid conflict. Understandably, we prefer lives characterized by peace, acceptance, prosperity, and devoid of difficulties and afflictions. The New Testament does promise believers peace now and everlasting life later. Nevertheless, it also teaches us to expect trials and persecution in this life because of our testimony before the world.