"Here's a serious
warning. If you think life is challenging at this moment, just wait. This is a
cake-walk compared to what's about to happen. It's going to get ugly in ways
you can't begin to imagine: hurtful accusations, appalling betrayals, unjust
trials, horrific beatings, even heinous death."
How's that for a rousing
speech! Think those piercing words of warning would entice team members to stay
loyal and steadfast to the end? One thing for sure… everyone in the circle
knows exactly what to expect. The punches have not been held back. No one can
say, "You never said…"
So it is with these five
verses of persecution foretold by Jesus. "The Way" won't be easy.
"As for yourselves,…" Jesus privately addressed the four apostles who had
approached him: Peter, James and John (brothers), and Andrew. Yet Jesus'
warning was for all who followed him.
"And you will be hated by all because of my
name."
In those times in which
they lived, Jesus was being very specific. Those with earthly power and
authority would wish grave harm to Jesus and his followers. It was a
deep-seeded, cruel hate. To believe in Jesus would take courage, faith,
perseverance,… and then some!
Jesus goes further with
pointed statements about Jewish and Roman persecution.
"They will hand you over to councils and you will be beaten in
synagogues." The Greek word for "councils" is "sanhedrins." "These were
local, Jewish courts attached to the synagogues which tried charges of heresy
and normal infractions of the law. …These councils were like smaller versions
of the great Sanhedrin that convened in Jerusalem." [i] The great Sanhedrin was
presided over by the High-Priest and was the Supreme Court of Israel.
Did You
Know…?
In the synagogues,
followers of Jesus would be publicly scourged. How bad could it be? "These
local councils usually administered 39 stripes so as to not violate Deuteronomy
25:2-3. The recipient of the punishment was stripped bare to the waist.
He received 13 lashings to his chest and 26 to his back." [ii]
"You will stand before governors and kings
because of me." Before the Roman
courts, those who spread the Good News would be tried for their beliefs and
teachings.
Within Jesus' sharing with
the four men, James would be the first apostle to die -- Acts
12:1-2. However what better example of someone who once persecuted the
followers of Jesus? Saul who later converted and was renamed Paul. Even he
wasn't impervious from persecution, as revealed in Acts
24, 25 and 26.
"And the good news must first be proclaimed to
all nations." Scholars have considered verse 10 as being
inserted by the author. [iii] If the verse were actually
lifted from the text, the flow and meaning of the Jesus' words wouldn't be slowed.
Nonetheless what likely happened was Mark (the writer) wanted the gospel to be
heard and accepted by the Romans, thereby its inclusion. Also, the scripture
enhanced what Jesus stated "as a
testimony to them" in that the Good News was for all people.
Verse 11 seems as applicable
then as it does now. It's almost cliché that it somewhat mirrors "Let go
and let God." Still, isn't it true? How often do we worry so much, which
leads to crippling anxiety and stress, which clouds our hearts and minds? What
does worrying do for us? Jesus' words are both calming and stress-relieving.
"Whatever trial you face, the Holy Spirit will be there and work through
you. And what occurs will touch lives in amazing ways."
Jesus then refers to an
Old Testament scripture which would be familiar to those listening -- Micah
7:6 -- reminding his followers that personal loyalties would be
destroyed. "In the Roman empire, one of the curses was the informer
(delator). There were those who, in their attempts to curry favor with the
authorities, would not hesitate to betray their own kith and kin." [iv]
In whom do you trust? It was
another reminder that the ministry of Good News required loving Christ even
more than one's father or mother or siblings or offspring.
And with verse 12,
perseverance to the end ultimately wins the day. For those who enjoy the sport
of running whether professionally, as a weekend warrior or leisurely, the words
spoken by Jesus remind me of the story about the tortoise and hare.
The hare rushed here and
there like it was a sprint; however, it was a long journey with the hare
eventually worn out and unable to compete or complete the race. As for the
tortoise, it was a steady pace from beginning to end -- like a marathon -- and
the finish line was reached with the medal placed around his neck.
"Will be saved" though can be easily misconstrued and interpreted
as only those individuals who endure to the end will be in heaven with Jesus.
That's not what was meant by the writer.
Consider these words instead
from Romans 5:3-5: "…suffering produces endurance, and
endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not
disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the
Holy Spirit that has been given to us."
Among the thoughts shared
by the study group regarding these five verses:
"It's a harsh world
we live in. Kindness seems like weakness; yet, you have to interact with the
world. That's what we're called to do." -- Joe *
"Persecution is part
of the human condition. It's not just the Christian condition. This can be
understood by everyone." -- Leah *
"The world hasn't
changed that much in 2,000 years. Free will exists. When going through the
fire, what decision will you make?" -- Marc *
Courage, faith and
perseverance are as relevant today as they were in the times of Jesus. They
weren't promised a thornless rose garden then,… nor have we been promised one
now. It is imperative though to share our "garden" experience with
God through Jesus Christ. The love poured into our own hearts which is then put
into action through our hands and feet, changes and rebuilds the lives of
others in this hurting world.
NEXT
End times!!!
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