Matthew 10:17-22 NRSVue
17Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues, 18and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the gentiles. 19When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you at that time, 20for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21Sibling will betray sibling to death and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
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Reflection on Matthew 10:17-22
Inspiration from 2026-12-26 Daily Prayer
Today’s gospel makes for difficult reading. Jesus has sent out the twelve apostles with instructions on what to bring, where to stay, and how to greet people. But things take a dark turn, as he warns that they will face violence and persecution. Opposition will come not just from ‘governors and kings’ but from family and loved ones. Through all the hostility and chaos, Jesus promises the Spirit will be with them, speaking for them and helping them to endure. We get a powerful image of the apostles standing their ground, trusting enough not to prepare a testimony, knowing that grandiose words will not win hearts but that quiet strength might just do so.
The shift from yesterday’s celebration of the birth of a child to today’s warnings is jarring. We are reminded that the child in the crib is the same Jesus who lived and died for us, and that the Christian story contains all of this and everything in between. May the Spirit enlighten our hearts and minds to live in this great mystery.
Further reflection
Lord, I have not been dragged before governors or kings, but there have been social occasions when I felt like a sheep among wolves, and metaphorically flogged for my faith. When I am under pressure, do not forget me. See that I am given what I am to say and help me to be brave enough to say it.
From the first day of remembering the birth of Jesus, the church remembers the first martyr. Birth and death are intimately connected with Jesus. The word for the place he was born is the same as the word for the 'upper room' where he had the last supper. In many cribs depicting joy of heaven and earth at his birth, a cross is placed in the back. We know that the destiny of this child is for a cruel death. The upper room was also the place fop the coming of the Spirit. In all of life, birth, death and all in-between is the blessing of the Spirit. We can hold our hands open this day for the coming of the spirit at the coming of the Lord.
St Stephen, in the midst of his sufferings, placed his trust in God. Jesus' words may well have echoed in his ears: "When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say."
Wisdom, it is said, is making peace with the unchangeable. Do I make peace with any suffering that comes my way?