When the disciples were sent out on mission by Jesus, what would they say, how would they behave? It was important that they understood this was Jesus' mission and not theirs; they were not to follow their own agendas, but His. They were not to advertise themselves, but Him. But the gospel is a dangerous message because many will resist submitting to Jesus. If Christ's enemies wanted to get rid of Him, they would be hostile to His apostles too.
 
Fear of opposition might stop them from speaking about Jesus. Worse, it could encourage them to agree with the religious leaders and speak against Jesus. Away from His direct supervision, the disciples might be tempted to modify the message to make it convenient to their listeners. But there was also another listener. The Lord would know. Nothing could be kept secret from Him.
 
The way in which the trainee apostles identified themselves to the world was important. It would have eternal significance. Willingness to identify themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ would be rewarded; their names would be honoured in heaven, as citizens who belong to God's kingdom. But those who disowned Christ would be excluded from God's presence; Jesus would tell the Father that they did not belong to Him. Judas Iscariot proved to be one of them (Matthew 26:14-16).
 
Today's verses contain very strong words. They are designed to link personal faith with public witness. Romans 10:9 says, "...if you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus knew they had to identify themselves with Jesus before it was too late (John 19:38-42). What about you? Are you frightened of what others think that you keep quiet about Jesus: or are you so in awe of what God thinks, that you gladly identify Yourself with Christ? How will Jesus speak about you to Father God?