Persecution of Faith

Jesus was the perfect human. He healed the sick. He released the demon-possessed. He performed many miracles. Yet, he was persecuted. As Christians, although we may help people, we will also be persecuted as Jesus was. We must learn to respond as he did.

Jesus secretly went to the Feast of Tabernacles because the Jews were seeking to kill Him but when he got there he preached openly. Some accepted Him, others accused him of being demon-possessed. The Pharisees were very angry, and immediately sent guards to arrest Him. However, Jesus’ time was not yet complete, and the officers could not arrest Him. (KJV, John 7)

Many times, the Pharisees attempted to get Jesus to say something wrong. However, His responses were always discrete. For example, the Pharisees brought a woman who had committed adultery. In the law of Moses, she should be stoned, but that was against Roman law. Jesus told them that whoever was sinless could throw the first stone. The sinful Pharisees had to quietly leave. Then, sinless Jesus forgave the woman. (KJV, John 8.1-11)

Jesus’ enemies worked constantly to trap Him. Jesus, however, continued to show love and do good things for those enemies. He told his disciples to “do good to them that hate you” (KJV, Matthew 5.44). His life illustrated these words.

As Christians, we need to be like Jesus. Those who hate us; we must love. When we are persecuted our response should be like Christ’s–love for our persecutors. This is hard, but with Jesus’ help, we can be like Him.

Works Cited:

"John 7 (NKJV) - After these things Jesus walked." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 20 Mar, 2023. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/jhn/7/1/s_1004001>.

"John 8 (KJV) - Jesus went unto the mount." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 20 Mar, 2023. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/jhn/8/1-11/s_1005001>.

"Matthew 5 (KJV) - But I say unto you,." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 20 Mar, 2023. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/mat/5/44/s_934044>.

~ Alice