Today's Daily Bread

THE SPIRIT OF GOD WILL GUIDE YOU

Date : Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Passage : Matthew 10:16~25
Keyverse : 19-20  
16
"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
17
Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.
18
On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.
19
But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,
20
for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
21
"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.
22
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
23
When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24
"The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.
25
It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
Jesus gave the disciples further warnings of the persecution and hardship they would face as apostles sent out to deliver the gospel. They were like sheep among wolves, doves facing snakes (16). While they kept their innocence as children of God, they were to be equipped with knowledge of the fallen world and understand the brutal shrewdness of their enemy.

However, they were not to be intimidated, even if they stood before the powerful in court (19). The Holy Spirit, who would equip them now to heal the sick and chase away evil spirits, also would give them the words to speak. Jesus’ words were fulfilled after his ascension, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. (e.g., Acts 4:8-12) The disciples would grow to become great apostles who would work the Lord’s world salvation plan. Even if they face great hardship as gospel workers, they would also have the assurance that Jesus, as their teacher and master, had walked the road ahead of them (24,25). The time was too short for them to waste in fear with the field ready for harvest. Would you take your heart and participate as a kingdom worker today, bringing good news to those who need salvation?

Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus’ example as a brave shepherd for your flock. Please help me overcome my fear and bring your words to your sheep today.
One Word: Follow Jesus’ footsteps