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Persecution Is Real
Last week, we looked at the calling and commissioning of the disciples.
Now, Jesus is winding down his instruction of the disciples with warnings of things that are (might) to come.
Things that they might face as a result of what they believe.
Those same warnings can be spoken all across the world today.
Do not be fooled into thinking persecution is not real, it most certainly is!
He starts out with the word “Behold” - He is calling them to pay attention, to not miss this point.
Jesus knew that there would be great opposition ahead of any who spread the Gospel Message.
He used the analogy of the disciples to sheep.
When we think of sheep, don’t we think of innocent, cute, cuddly animals who wouldn’t harm anything?
But, one thing we have found out about sheep also is they are fierce defenders.
We, too, must be fierce defenders of the faith, but have the meekness and demeanor of a sheep - spreading the gospel message of love and compassion to even those who oppose us and God ( the wolves).
We are told in 1 Peter 5:8
Don’t forget there will be people in our lives that seek to tear us apart, just the same.
We must not forget we, too, will face persecution - the same as the Twelve, Christ, and Christians past have faced it.
It may take different forms, shapes, from simple denial up to fearing for our physical life.
But, the Good Shepherd is there to protect us, and more importantly the Word of God.
The second thing Jesus speaks of is to beware of men.
There are the persecutors.
The persecutors are three in number: men in general, religionists, and the state.
The believer is to beware, to be on guard and to watch—always.
If he lives for Christ—really lives for Christ—he is subject to being persecuted: ridiculed, rejected, disliked, hated, murmured against, abused, physically attacked, jailed, and martyred.
Who will do such things to believers?
Men, people just like himself, will persecute believers.
Men can, will, and do turn into brute beasts when they do not like something.
They often attempt to hurt or destroy believers either by reputation or by force.
Religionists, people in the synagogues and churches, will persecute believers.
The church is full of people who have not really committed their lives to God.
They just do not know Him personally, not in a real and personal way.
Therefore, the believer who truly lives and teaches and takes a stand for God and His righteousness is sometimes persecuted by those within the church.
Civil authorities within the state will persecute believers.
Believers all over the world always have been and always will be dragged before state authorities and persecuted.
There are two reasons for persecution given in this passage.
The believer is persecuted for the Lord’s sake or cause.
The believer tries to live for Christ and to carry out His cause.
The natural man, whether in the world or church, does not understand the things of God, so he opposes them.
The believer is persecuted so that he might be a testimony to the persecutors.
There is no greater testimony for Christ than a believer’s standing up for Christ in the face of persecution.
Standing firm demonstrates the truth of the gospel.
Its message of love and salvation is clearly seen by the persecutor.
It gives the Holy Spirit a unique opportunity to reach the hearts of those standing by with the truth of the gospel.
And it stands as a testimony against the persecutors.
It shows how deep the wickedness and evil of their hearts is.
It shall stand as a testimony against them in the day of judgment.
The third thing Jesus brings forward is to not worry about our defense.
What happens when someone is accused of something wrong?
Don’t they normally opt for a defense attorney?
Someone who can speak on their behalf to prove their innocence?
Jesus tells us a believer is never left alone defending himself against persecution.
God gives what is to be said.
God’s Spirit actually does the speaking “in” the believer.
God stands with the believer.
When a believer is called upon to defend himself, he is often nervous and apprehensive.
He wonders how to speak in his defense.
We need to trust God for what is to be said.
This does not mean we should not be praying and thinking, but it means that God is to be trusted for the defense.
There is a reason for this: only God knows the hearts of the persecutors and any others who are present.
Therefore, He alone knows what needs to be said to touch their hearts or else to serve as a witness against them in the future.
The fourth warning given is that there will be families divided.
A person’s own family can become his greatest persecutor.
Why?
Because of the believer’s commitment to Christ and His righteousness.
The family often lives a worldly life and cannot understand a godly life.
The family, therefore, opposes a family member who ceases to participate in certain functions and traditions
Because of the family’s orthodox religion or church.
The converted family member may wish to change religions or churches.
The family opposes such a move.
Because of the believer’s commitment to Christ.
The believer should become a dynamic witness sharing the graciousness and love of the Lord.
Such an active witness is sometimes an embarrassment to a family.
But Jesus continues by telling the disciples to endure to the end.
Again, the believer must expect persecution.
All men of the world will oppose him.
Why? “For my name’s sake.”
The genuine believer lives and witnesses to the name of Christ which is the name of righteousness and self-denial.
The person who endures to the end shall be saved.
There is an end to persecution.
It is only temporary; it will end.
Endurance is possible.
A believer can endure.
God will bear him up through the persecution.
Salvation and deliverance are waiting for the person who endures: a life of glory and reward.
Note the words, All men will hate.
This means the whole world, everyone in the world: religionists (v.
17), the state (v.
18), and the family (v.
21).
It hurts to be the object of talk, ridicule, slander, gossip, and abuse.
The believer must remember three facts.
It is for Christ’s sake.
It assures salvation.
It assures a glorious reward.
The sixth point Jesus makes is to flee persecution.
He had already told the disciples if the disciple’s message was rejected, he was to leave the house or the city.
He was to get out quickly and quietly.
Now, He is to be as wise as a serpent in sensing and fleeing danger.
Now, for a third time Christ says: “When they persecute you … flee.”
I have often wondered, how often people try to stay around in toxic situations JUST to change one heart only to NOT hear the words Jesus is saying here.
He cares for us and our safety, He wants all to hear the Gospel, but not all will accept the Gospel.
And, there comes a time where a sinner needs to know just how bad their sins are.
If they are left alone, could it be that God will use that so they can see their heart and the condition it is in, and surrender to God?
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