A disciple or servant cannot expect to be treated better than his master (see Matthew 10:22a; John 15:10; 1 Peter 4:1). Matthew 10:24–25 thus reveals a general rule, and the end of Matthew 10:25, read within its context, showed the apostles not only what Jesus’ own fate would be, but also that they would share with him in that fate. The enemies had less of a hold on Jesus himself, the Perfect One, than they would have on his followers. As the preaching therefore advanced, so the hostility increased.
Jesus, God’s teacher and Israel’s Lord, is slandered to the extent of calling him the prince of demons (Beelzebul). How much more will they be willing to slander the servants of this master of the house and reject them disgracefully. In reality, this is in fact the highest honour for which a disciple and a servant may hope. Indeed, their highest honour consists of rejection and slander (see Matthew 9:34: Acts 5:41). After all, being sent out by this master, you know what you can expect, but also in whom your hope is founded.
The disciples of the One that the Pharisees called Beelzebul should not have any false illusions regarding their work. They must continue to endure because of the Master, even if they know that the hardening of hearts will continue until the end. This results in a church of fugitives here on earth.1
A disciple and a servant cannot expect to be treated better than their master (see Matthew 10:22a; John 15:10; 1 Peter 4:1).2 Matthew 10:24–25 thereby teaches us a general rule, and from the conclusion of Matthew 10:25, read within the context of this passage as a whole, it becomes evident that Jesus here intended to convey to the apostles not only what his own fate would be, but also that they would share with him in that fate. The enemies had less of a hold on Jesus himself, the Perfect One, than they would have on his followers. As the preaching therefore advanced, so too did the tide of hostility swell.3
Jesus is God’s teacher and Israel’s Lord, and yet they slander him to the extent of calling him the prince of demons (Beelzebul). How much more will they then be willing to slander the servants of this master of the house and reject them disgracefully. Being disciples and servants, the apostles therefore ought to be satisfied when they are treated no worse than their teacher and their master. In reality, this is in fact the highest honour for which a disciple and a servant may hope. Indeed, their highest honour consists of rejection and slander (see Matthew 9:34; Acts 5:41). After all, if you are sent out by this master, you ought to know what you can expect. You also know, however, even in your maligned service, in whom your hope is ultimately founded.4
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.