Unscripted Courage: The Trinity in the Face of Fear
Scripture Passage
Mt 10:17-22
Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. 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. For it will not be you who speak
but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”
Grace Prayed For
Reliance on the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises that the Spirit of the Father will speak through his followers. We can pray for a greater reliance on the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide our words and actions, and empower us to be effective witnesses for Christ.
Reflection
In the midst of Advent’s joyful anticipation, Jesus’ words in Matthew 10 offer a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship. Yet, woven within these warnings of persecution and hardship, we find a profound message of hope and a glimpse into the intimate workings of the Trinity.
Jesus cautions his disciples, “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts…” This foreshadows the opposition and suffering that his followers will face. Yet, he assures them, “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak… You will be given at that moment what you are to say.” This is where the Trinity’s comforting presence becomes evident:
- The Father’s protection: Even in the face of persecution, the Father remains a source of strength and guidance. He promises to provide the words his disciples need, empowering them to speak boldly in the face of opposition.
- The Son’s presence: Jesus assures his followers that they will be brought before rulers “for my sake.” Their witness becomes an extension of his own ministry, a continuation of his work in the world.
- The Spirit’s empowerment: It is not the disciples themselves who will speak, but the “Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” The Holy Spirit will be their advocate and guide, giving them the words and courage they need to testify to their faith.
This Trinitarian dynamic offers comfort and strength to believers throughout the ages:
- Courage in adversity: Even when facing opposition, we can rely on the Father’s protection and the Spirit’s guidance. We are not alone; the Trinity empowers us to stand firm in our faith.
- Witness to the world: Our lives become a testimony to Christ, an extension of his ministry in the world. Through the Spirit’s power, we can share the good news of salvation with courage and conviction.
- Perseverance and hope: Jesus promises that “whoever endures to the end will be saved.” This offers hope and encouragement to persevere in faith, even when faced with trials and persecution.
This Advent, let us reflect on these truths:
- Reliance on the Trinity: In times of difficulty, let us turn to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for strength, guidance, and courage.
- Faithful witness: May we be inspired to share our faith with boldness, knowing that the Spirit will empower us to speak the truth in love.
- Enduring hope: Let us hold fast to the promise of salvation, trusting that through perseverance, we will share in the fullness of Christ’s victory.
Even as we anticipate the joy of Christmas, let us remember the cost of discipleship and the unwavering support of the Trinity. May we be faithful witnesses to Christ, empowered by the Spirit to endure to the end and share in the hope of salvation.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Sharing in his Suffering: Jesus warns of persecution “for my sake.” This reminds us that following him may involve sharing in his suffering. While this can be challenging, it can also lead to a deeper identification with him and a greater appreciation for the sacrifice he made for us.
Daily Scripture Reflection
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post