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THE PERSECUTION OF JESUS

by Morris Inch
03/18/16
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THE PERSECUTION OF JESUS

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"Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" a voice inquired of him as he was on his way to Damascus to apprehend followers of Jesus (Acts 9:4). Granted, he had been persecuting Christians, but whose solitary voice was this?

"Who are you Lord?" Saul inquired. Was it possible that he was persecuting someone without knowing it? This probably seemed unlikely.

"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," the voice replied. How could one account for this, since Jesus had already been put to death? Nor does it appear that Saul (Paul) was convinced that he was raised from the dead.

In retrospect, by persecuting the followers of Jesus, he was persecuting Jesus as well—since they were bonded together. This would continue to be the case down through the centuries. In this regard, it is said that there have been more Christian martyrs in the last century than all the other centuries put together. Moreover, the rate of deaths has increased in the present century.

Why do people persecute Jesus? In some instances, they do not associate the persecution of his followers with him. For various reasons, they do not think of it as the same thing. This brings to mind a person who questioned the authenticity of those who professed to follow Jesus. If not authentic, then subject to persecution.

Another time, a different approach. The person allowed that he did not object to there being a God, so long as he did not intervene in the affairs of men. Accordingly, he found the idea of divine revelation unacceptable. Especially to the extent associated with Jesus. In a manner of speaking, it seemed to leave him little wiggle room to do things his own way.

Some would restrict Christians from exercising their faith. In this regard, they may think of the church in terms of its institutional identify. While in fact the church is made up of the community of faith. So that in unduly limiting the exercise of faith, it is in effect a persecution of Jesus.

The execution of Christians for their faith is obviously a more blatant example. For instance, I received word of an attack on a Christian village near Jos, Nigeria (where my wife and I had ministered some years ago). Over one hundred persons were killed, including women and children. As for the women, some had their stomachs cut open. As for the children, there were instances where their heads had been bashed in.

Obviously, this is not in accord with the just war theory, where non-combatants are not to be attacked. Nor was it in accord with genuinely accepted humane treatment. But it served as another instance of persecuting Jesus.

Granted, the persecution of Jesus often proves to be counterproductive for the assailants. For instance, it is reported that the number of Christians in Iran is increasing significantly. One estimate has placed the number at 450,000. Still more recently, there are reports of Kurdish people turning to the Christian faith, by way of reaction to ISIS. This, in turn, recalls Tertullian’s memorable observation, "the blood of the martyrs is seed of the Church" (Apologeticus, chapter 50).

All things considered, Jesus’ question: "Why do you persecute me?" echoes down the corridor of time. As a caution to some, and an encouragement to others—with the realization that they suffer with Christ. Along with the realization we will all be accountable for our behavior. In brief, learn from the past, live toward the future, and engage in the present. So that the persecution of Christ might be replaced by praise.