Catholic Bible Study – Augustine Institute

Episode: Matthew 10:16-11:6

Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Dr. Tim Gray (A), Dr. Michael Barber (B)

Overview

In this episode, Dr. Tim Gray and Dr. Michael Barber continue their in-depth Bible study series on the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on Matthew 10:16–11:6. The episode explores Jesus’ teachings on persecution, discipleship, true loyalty, and the coming kingdom, while connecting these themes to Old Testament prophecies and practical Christian living. The hosts provide historical and theological insights, personal stories, and pastoral applications for modern Catholics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Mission and Its Risks (Matthew 10:16–25)

• Jesus warns the disciples:
  • “Behold, I’m sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (B, [00:44])
  • Both prudence and innocence are necessary in Christian witness—lacking either can do harm.
• Aquinas’s Interpretation:
  • Don’t use reliance on the Holy Spirit as an excuse not to prepare. Instead, trust in divine help when unexpectedly challenged, but always be ready to give an answer for the faith (B, [01:42]).
• Expect persecution; Jesus suffered, so will his followers. Modern hardships in the West are less severe than historical Christian persecutions elsewhere ([03:49]).

Earthly vs. Ultimate Trials (Matthew 10:26–33)

• Jesus reassures:
  • “Have no fear of them.” Earthly threats are minor compared to the ultimate judgment before God (A, [05:25]).
  • The trial that truly matters is before the Father in heaven, not human courts ([05:23]).
• Loyalty to Jesus before men determines how He will acknowledge us before the Father ([05:23]).

Jewish Eschatological Backdrop—Daniel and Micah ([06:30]–[10:47])

• Suffering before the kingdom comes aligns with Jewish expectations from Daniel 7 and Micah 7.
• Jesus’ “sword” (not peace) message indicates division will arise before final redemption.
  • Old Testament background: Micah 7:6 describes familial conflict as a precursor to deliverance ([10:38]).

The Cost of Discipleship—Personal Story ([11:08])

• Dr. Barber shares how Jesus’ words (“whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me”) became personal when choosing a grad school far from his close-knit family ([11:08]).
• The Gospel demands radical commitment—even at the cost of family ties:
  • “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it...” – (B, [13:08]).

The Nature of the Kingdom & Patriotism ([13:36]–[16:55])

• The U.S. is not the kingdom of God; Christians should expect decline and trouble, trusting that Christ’s true kingdom comes only with His return ([16:19]).
• Jesus’ kingdom is “not of this world.” Barabbas and political revolution are contrasted with Jesus’ path ([16:55]).

Welcoming God’s Messengers and the Power of Small Kindnesses ([17:00]–[20:13])

• Receiving apostles and disciples is tantamount to receiving Christ Himself.
  • “Whoever receives you, receives me...” (A, [17:00])
• Even a simple act like giving “a cup of water” to a disciple is deeply valued (B, [17:38]).
• Encouragement to support and thank faithful priests, especially amidst scandals and discouragement ([19:16]).

Transition to Narrative and Parables (Matthew 11:1; [20:19]–[21:21])

• With Jesus finishing his instruction, Matthew moves from speech (discourse) to action (narrative).
• Raises the question: Why does Jesus start using parables? The answer develops as the Gospel unfolds ([21:21]).

The Question of John the Baptist (Matthew 11:2–6; [22:20]–[27:54])

• John, imprisoned, sends disciples to ask if Jesus is the Messiah.
• Two explanations:
  • John’s faith is not weak, but seeking understanding—he trusts Jesus for clarification (A, [22:20]).
  • Aquinas: John’s concern is more for his own disciples and confirming Jesus’ credentials amid his own impending martyrdom (B, [23:30]).
• Jesus’ Reply:
  • Rather than a direct answer, Jesus references Isaiah 35 & 61 by listing Messianic signs:
    • “The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news preached to them.” (B, [23:30])
    • This references Jewish expectations and serves as a “coded message” John would understand, but which would be ambiguous to Roman or Herodian authorities (A, [26:40]).
  • Jesus both affirms his mission and avoids direct confrontation with authorities:
    • “It’s almost like he’s wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (B, [27:54])

Takeaways and What’s Next ([28:09]–[28:43])

• Not all will believe, but Jesus remains steadfast in accomplishing his mission.
• Invitation to continue reading Matthew 11, focusing on Jesus’ relationship to the Father (B, [28:09]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Evangelization:
  • “You could be prudent, but if you’re not innocent... you’re not going to be effective in your witness to Christ. At the same time... if you act imprudently, you could do great damage and actually lead people into scandal.” — Dr. Barber ([00:44])
• On Persecution and Suffering:
  • “If you think that this is bad, cheer up, it’s worse than you think. It’s going to get even worse.” — Dr. Barber ([03:49])
• On Ultimate Loyalty:
  • “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” — Jesus, interpreted by Dr. Barber, tied to his personal choice ([11:08])
• On Kingdom & Patriotism:
  • “As great as [the U.S.] is... it is not the kingdom of God.” — Dr. Gray ([16:19])
• On Small Kindness:
  • “If you even give a little one a cup of water... you will by no means lose your reward.” — Dr. Barber ([17:38])
• On John the Baptist’s Doubt:
  • “It’s not so much a crisis of faith that eclipses John’s faith, but a crisis that leads him to question the one who can give him the answer.” — Dr. Gray ([22:20])

Important Segment Timestamps

• Jesus’ warning: wise as serpents, innocent as doves — [00:44]
• Aquinas on preparing for evangelization — [01:42]
• Persecution, church and martyrdom today — [03:49]
• Fear of men vs. final trial before God — [05:23]
• Daniel & Jewish backdrop on tribulation — [06:30]
• Jesus brings not (yet) peace, but division (Micah 7) — [10:38]
• Personal story of costly discipleship — [11:08]
• True kingdom, not of this world — [16:19]
• Receiving apostles/disciples = receiving Jesus — [17:00]
• Encouragement to thank and support priests — [19:16]
• Narrative shift, parables foreshadowed — [21:21]
• John the Baptist's question & Jesus' coded Isaiah response — [22:20]
• Call to continue reading Matthew 11 — [28:09]

Tone & Language

The tone is warm, collegial, and intellectually robust—blending depth, personal stories, and pastoral encouragement. Both hosts frequently reference Scripture, Church Fathers, and modern Catholic experience, making connections relevant and accessible for listeners at any level.

Summary Takeaway

This episode challenges listeners to prepare for hardship, prioritize Christ above all, avoid confusing earthly nations with God’s kingdom, appreciate those who serve, and seek to understand even in doubt. It roots New Testament teachings in Old Testament prophecy, and models how to discern Jesus’ intentions through both faith and careful study. The dialogue closes with an invitation to keep pondering how Jesus reveals Himself as Messiah, even amid misunderstanding and suffering.