Jesus Persecuted
By Blesson Selvanesan
The Word: John 7:32-36
32 The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. 33 Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. 34 You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.” 35 The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What does he mean by saying, ‘You will seek me and you will not find me,’ and, ‘Where I am you cannot come’?”
Jesus’ ministry was going well. He went around to share the good news and challenged the ‘religious’ people. As His credentials were getting established as a teacher, He ups the ante by claiming to be a Son of God thereby making Himself equal to God. He then backs up His claims by quoting scriptures and performing miracles and leading a sinless and blameless life. Slowly but steadily more and more people started talking about Him. More and more became His serious disciples and followers. Although initially the religious establishment did not take Jesus seriously, He became a powerful and authoritative figure teaching from the scriptures that no one could take His word slightly any more.
The religious establishment became convinced that Jesus cannot be silenced easily, and His messages and teachings cannot be questioned, they wanted to silence the messenger by intimidation and threats. They stated plans to eliminate Him. Jesus was bad for their business. Jesus questioned their moral authority and tore their facades. He stood unchallenged. As people began to wonder if Jesus was Christ, the religious leaders banded together to persecute Jesus. Jesus told them that He will go back to his Father. And the religious elites have no place in heaven where Jesus and His father will be. Jesus reminded them that they will understand the historic and spiritual significance of His presence in His absence. They may be able to reject Jesus now but on the day of judgment, they have no choice but to face Him seated on the judgement throne. They will be eternally rejected for their sins. Jesus was a man on a mission, He came to die,and He will do it on His own terms and His destiny cannot be shaken by a few jealous people.
Application: Jesus was a man on a mission. He could not be bullied into submission. As His ministry increased, His opposition and persecution increased. He dealt with them with wisdom and grace. He proved who He was by His Word and deed. When people team up to conspire against you, remember Jesus. They did it to Him too.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to learn from you. Help us to be focused and strong by depending upon you. Help is to stay calm and complete our mission in our lives. Help us to be truthful and humble always. In your holy Name. Amen.