Many years ago we went on an extended family holiday to Florida. Whilst there we visited all the normal tourist attractions including, of course, Disney World.
My sister, who was always an adventurous holiday maker, was determined to go on all the rides, no matter how scary they were thought to be by others. She queued, sometimes for an hour or more, to be thrown around in unimaginable ways, always to emerge looking an alarming shade of green.
Reading Jesus’ words to his apostles today, reminded me of my sister’s adventures in Disney World. Surely, as they journeyed from town to town, they must have experienced the same feelings of uncertainty, stomach-churning fear and pumping adrenalin.
Jesus brought an exciting and new message about God into this world, and he knew what it was to be opposed in terms that were uncompromising and relentless.
Jesus was not surprised by the strength of the opposition he faced, hence his words of to his apostles on the day of their sending out.
Even today, when clergy are ordained there is an aftertaste of Jesus’ warning to his disciples – we are all charged to unfold the Scriptures, to preach the word in season and out of season, and to declare the mighty acts of God.
That phrase: in season and out of season, has a direct connection to Jesus’ warning to his apostles – a warning that they were being sent out like sheep into the midst of wolves.
As we look back in time, we know the truth of Jesus’ solemn warnings. There have been many persecutions, beatings, imprisonments and killings down the centuries, just because of faith in the Good News of Jesus Christ.
In the same way, faith in Jesus Christ has certainly split families in cruel ways.
We often speak of our own society with pride because of its tolerance, but there are still many in this world that are far from tolerant of the differing faith of others. And, in fact, it doesn’t take too much examination to find similar intolerance even in the ‘civilized’ United Kingdom.
Throughout the verses of chapter 10 of Matthew’s gospel that we have encountered in recent days, we have been presented with a challenge that is even scarier than those horrendous rides in the world’s biggest fun fairs.
But … that challenge is so much more than a passing flush of adrenalin, it is an invitation to join in the most exciting, world-changing mission imaginable – to join in the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ.