In the 10th chapter of Matthew's Gospel the focus is completely upon discipleship. Here Jesus gathers his 12 specially chosen followers and gives them authoritative power over the diseases of mind, body and spirit. Matthew's penchant for calling the disciples "the Twelve" purposefully calls attention to their uniquely chosen number - one disciple to represent each of Israel's 12 tribes. Jesus then gives his designated emissaries specific guidelines for the course of their crucial missionizing journeys (5b-1 5).

Undoubtedly the Twelve feel honored, humbled and excited as Jesus speaks with them. They are, after all, to be plenipotentiaries of their Lord. But in verses 16-23, Jesus reveals the underside of their honor - the reality of rejection, refusal and active persecution that they will f…