Explain the assurance that Jesus gives to His disciples (Matthew 10:19-20). Explain how that assurance applies to believers today.
In Matthew 10:19-20, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, preparing them for the challenges they will face as they go out to share the Gospel. He assures them that even in difficult situations, they will be given the words to speak, by the Holy Spirit. Let's break it down and see how this assurance applies to believers today.
First, Jesus says, "But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time, you will be given what to say." (Matthew 10:19) Jesus acknowledges that His disciples may face opposition and persecution for their faith, but He tells them not to be anxious. Instead, they can trust that in the moment of need, the Holy Spirit will give them the words to speak.
This assurance is not limited to the disciples of Jesus at that time. It applies to all believers today. As followers of Christ, we may also encounter situations where our faith is challenged, where we have to defend or explain our beliefs, or where we face opposition for being Christians.
In these moments, we can take comfort in the same assurance that Jesus gave to His disciples. We don't need to worry about what to say or how to respond, because the Holy Spirit is with us, guiding us and giving us the words we need. This doesn't mean that we won't face challenges or difficult questions, but it means that we can trust in God's guidance and rely on His Spirit to help us in those situations.
To experience the assurance Jesus offers, we need to cultivate a relationship with God through prayer, reading and studying His Word, and seeking His guidance. By staying connected to Him, we can become more sensitive to the leading and promptings of the Holy Spirit.
It's important to remember that the Holy Spirit works in us and through us. As we yield to His guidance and trust in His wisdom, He empowers us to speak with boldness, wisdom, and sensitivity. The confidence and assurance Jesus promised to His disciples are available to us today as we rely on the same Spirit that was given to them.
In summary, Jesus assured His disciples that they wouldn't need to worry about what to say in challenging situations, as the Holy Spirit would give them the words to speak. This assurance extends to believers today, as we can trust that the Holy Spirit will guide and empower us to speak in difficult circumstances. By cultivating a relationship with God and relying on His Spirit, we can experience the same assurance Jesus promised to His disciples.