A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL
The little band of helpers – (vii) Prudence
Reading: Matthew 10:23
When Gordon Brown was Chancellor of the Exchequer, the word often on his lips was, “prudence.” That is exactly what Jesus is saying here. “Prudence” is “the careful avoidance of unnecessary consequences” (OED). We mustn’t shrink from martyrdom if that is called for but we are not to court it as many did in fanatical times (cf. periods of the early church and the Reformation). Rather, if given the chance flee and bear witness elsewhere. In fact, being driven from one location can bring a wider audience in the next. This is what happened in Acts 11:19.
Some scholar think this verse is looking ahead to the destruction of Jerusalem in ad70 but I don’t see any evidence of that.
Meditation: In the circumstances before me today is “prudence” something I need to think about?
Prayer pointer: What unnecessary things do I need to avoid today?
Matthew: 65
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