The Challenges and Rewards of Discipleship
Today's reading tells how Jesus began to entrust his ministry with his disciples. Knowing that he could not be everywhere at once, he commissioned his twelve disciples to teach and heal in his name. However, Jesus warned the disciples that they would sometimes face significant opposition, including some from people powerful enough to threaten their freedom and their lives. Tellingly, Jesus says that his followers are no better than him -- meaning that if he will suffer and die, certainly some of his followers will suffer as well.
Still, Jesus' message is not all gloom and doom, despite the warning of serious obstacles ahead. For those disciples who pick up the charge to serve in Jesus' name, God will see that those who cause them trouble will be punished. Even more, those who welcome and respect Jesus' disciples will receive God's favor in this world and the next.
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