24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor is a bond-servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the bond-servant like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul (Satan), how much more [will they speak evil of] the members of his household.

Matthew 10:24-25 (AMP)

Persecution context

In the past few verses, Jesus is sending out His disciples, telling them what to do and how, but also warning them that they will face persecution. In the last post, Jesus encouraged His disciples to endure to the end. 

Teacher/Disciple

Jesus is the teacher here. He is also the Master – for He gives the disciples instructions and they (we) serve Him. Do you know a teacher? Are you a teacher? A student never surpasses their teacher – at least during the time of teaching. In the adult context, barring selfish pride, the goal of most teachers (not just limited to academia) is that their students can indeed at least equal them, if not surpass them. Jesus told His disciples they would do greater works even than He did (John 14:12). 

In this context, Jesus is re-confirming that His disciples will be persecuted. They will be spoken evil of, even called names, and even the worst of names – the Devil. Jesus wants them to expect this treatment and not lose hope or self-identity. They should fix their identity on Christ, as His disciple.

Be like the Master

I don’t want us to miss this. Jesus is indirectly calling His disciples / servants to be like Him. “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;” (Romans 8:29) When we “sign up” to be followers of Christ, we are told to count the cost (Luke 14:28-29) – which is giving up ourselves, our possessions, our expectations, our desires to follow Him. We’re called to daily take up our cross (Luke 9:23) and follow Him.

RЯeflection

• Maybe the Lord is asking you even now to re-calculate the cost of following Him. Are there things He is asking you to do or sacrifices to make that you are reluctant to do? Remember why we are here – to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. 
• Are we striving to be like our Master? It’s a day-by-day and even decision-by-decision life where we need to choose to follow Him and obey Him. Cry out to Him for help.