How To Respond To Persecution

340 million Christians (1 in 7) live in a country that does not recognize Christianity

Almost 6k in 2022 (Open Doors) (15 per day)

400% increase in antisemitic incidents

“first the Jews then the Christians”

If you think we will make it out of this world peacefully, you are mislead

Jesus Embraced Persecution (1-8)

He went to the place they knew He would

He went there because he knew Judas would look for him there - John MacAruthur

John 10:17–18 “17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

He did not hide himself

“I am he” in the greek is again, I AM “ego eimi”

He was able to embrace this persecution for two reasons

He had the power to even knock the men to the ground with his voice

He knows what we know, that God is in control and God wins.

Revelation 2:10–13 ESV

10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’ 12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. 13 “ ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

He Protected His Own (8-9)

He petitioned to let the disciples go

This is important because it shows His sacrificial nature

Philippians 2:1–9 ESV

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,

He Made No Defense (10-14)

In the other Gospels we find out Peter cut off the servants ear

Isaiah 53:7 ESV

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.