Matthew 10:32

Matthew 10:32
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Jesus, when you sent out your twelve, you empowered them to heal and to do your works and spread your word, but they were not beyond death, like you. Your warning of persecution was another prophesy fulfilled.

Andrew, Bartholomew, James, Peter, Philip, and Simon - Crucified;
James, Matthew, and Thomas - Pierced;
Jude, Matthius, and Paul - Beheaded;

But their words echo through time, and their victory is assured, because you sit at the right hand of God the Father and testify for them in his house. Let us live as they lived, and no matter the way of the world, walk always with you - bold and unafraid, full of your Spirit and with your name on our lips.