If you guys have your Bibles, we're going to get right into it. Matthew chapter 10, verse 16 is

where we're going to be. Matthew chapter 10 verse 16. We're looking at a message entitled,

the balanced preparation. The balanced preparation. Now, as you read through the Gospels, it becomes evident that Jesus was always seeking to prepare

his disciples for what was ahead. He would do this in a variety of ways, sometimes putting them

intentionally in to what would seem like impossible situations, only to deepen their dependency upon him. There were other times

where he would speak to them simply and clearly what the future is going to hold. However, we know that

much of what Jesus would say to them then wouldn't really make much sense until the Holy Spirit would come and help them connect

the dots. One of the most common ways that Jesus would prepare his disciples was to ensure that they

wouldn't be surprised when it came to the lost world that they were sent to reach, that the world would be diametrically

opposed to them, would be against them. He never wanted them to be caught off guard or surprised

when life was challenging. He wanted them to understand that it was supposed to be this way,

but that in him they could have joy and peace unlimited.

Now, over time, Peter came to understand this very well and even experientially, and he would

say this.

First Peter 412, he finally got the lesson.

And he would say this, Beloved, do not think it's strange concerning the fiery trial,

which is to try you as though some strange thing happened to you.

That first word strange, it means to be emotionally impacted.

Peter said, hey, when life hits, when the trial comes against you,

when the world hates you, don't be emotionally impacted. Don't think it's strange. This is what

Jesus taught us, and this is how it's supposed to be. Well, as we study a very famous but underutilized verse today, we will find Jesus giving his

disciples a balanced preparation so that they would not only expect opposition in this world,

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