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Nothin’ ever changes.
The first question to ask from this passage is: Why did the chief priests, temple officials and elders have the Roman garrison come out to arrest him with swords and clubs? Scripture tells us that they did not fear Jesus. They feared that the people would rebel against them (Luke 19:48; 20:19; 22:2).
Not much has changed in the world today. There is still a battle going on with the world and Jesus-followers. In some nations, that war is physical with great persecution; in others, more subtle– banning prayer (Christian, do you understand what that means? – we are not allowed to pray to the One True God or risk legal action!), removing the Ten Commandments, taking down Nativity scenes, and even saying “Merry Christmas” is taboo. Are we then to be counted with the robbers and murderers as Jesus foretold about Himself in verse 37?
Yes! And you should not be surprised because Jesus has already told you that will happen. Read John 15:21; Matt 5:11-12, 10:22, and 16:24 – all passages where Jesus told his disciples that they would be hated because of Him.
What a blessing we have that we are not persecuted with the sword in this nation.
But what you also must remember, Believer, is that the world does not hate you because you go to church, or pray, or read the Word. In fact, it is not you they are after. It is Jesus. It is the one who you represent. It is the one who lives in you and through you. It is Him they are after, still!
What a greater blessing (Matt 5:11-12, Luke 6:22) it is when Jesus is so evident in your life that people will come after you, not with swords and clubs, but with words and accusations. Stay strong in the faith, fear not the one who can kill with the sword, and remember that Jesus has overcome the world!
Marty,
As much as we like to think that persecution is so far from us, we need to be reminded that it is right in our back yard already. Thanks for shining a light on what is going on right here where we live right now. God bless you for being a beacon and encourager of faith.
Thanks Marty, there are brothers and sisters around the world who are being persecuted with swords today. I pray God’s protection on them today that the message of the gospel will be clearly spoken, the angles will strenghten them as they go through the fire, and that many will come to know the one true God because of them. Thank you Lord for being taken and led to the cross.
Dear Marty,
Thank you for continuing to bless, guide and keep us all enveloped in your faith and love. You are an amazing man and a leader of all to truth and light. You are soooo much more than my daughter’s former math teacher! May God bless you and goodness rain down upon you all the days of your life!