Matthew 10:24-25. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for them to be like their teacher or their master. And if their master is called evil names, then his true disciples will be maligned all the more.

Jesus is preparing his apostles, and us, for the derision that will come our way when we follow him. If the Pharisees were calling Jesus Beelzebul, and they were, then Jesus' apostles are in for a lot of name calling, and worse.

How can any of us expect to be treated better than he was? I honestly did expect this, I have to say. I don't know what I was thinking! When I started speaking up a bit, defending the truth as I saw it crumbling around me, I was shocked at how badly people often reacted - I still am! It is so hurtful.

But then I remembered this - disciples are not above their masters. What he suffered, we will suffer. But take heart - the end game is great, and so worth it!