(a) Explain Jesus' description of the dangers of their mission. (b) Specify the characteristics Jesus' disciples should display in response to these dangers (Matthew 10:16). (c) Have the dangers or the need for those characteristics changed?
(a) Jesus described the dangers of their mission as being persecuted, arrested, and even killed. He warned them that they would be hated by all nations because of their faith in Him. (b) Jesus' disciples should display courage, faithfulness, and trust in God in response to these dangers. They should not be afraid of those who can only kill the body, but instead be willing to stand up for their faith and trust in God to protect them. (c) The dangers have not changed, but the need for the characteristics Jesus described has become even more important in today's world. In a world where religious persecution is still rampant, it is essential for Christians to stand firm in their faith and trust in God.
