A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
Matthew 10:24 and 25
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Like the teacher
In those days a disciple walked with his teacher day in, day out. He didn't just want to learn what his teacher knew; he wanted to become like him. That is the aim here too. But Jesus is honest about what comes with it: his opponents had already called him Beelzebul, the prince of demons.
Whoever becomes like him shares in his bad name. That is an uncomfortable promise, but it also comforts. If things get hard, it doesn't mean you are doing something wrong. It may mean that you are starting to resemble him.
Question for today
Do I want to be like Jesus, even if it costs me my good name?
Prayer
You were called names, Lord Jesus, and you bore it. Give me a calm heart when people speak badly of me. Amen.
My prayer
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