When Persecution Comes

Background Scripture: Matthew 10
Lesson Scripture: Matthew 10:24–39

Introduction

Let us each ask ourselves: If persecution should come, would I be able to stand? If I would be falsely accused, what would I do or say? We are to rejoice if we are called to share Christ’s sufferings. Grace, peace, and forgiveness from the rich storehouse of God’s boundless love are ours when we are fully yielded to Him. When we are in trouble or distress, we can pray God for strength to stand and for mercy on our persecutors.

When we remember how Christ suffered in cruel agony, we can sing, “What more could He give than His life for you? Oh, tell me, what more could anyone do?” 1

Key Verse

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake (Phil. 1:29).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Christ bore to Golgotha the cross that His persecutors placed upon him. Later, as He was being crucified, He cried, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). His plea to God is the ultimate example of compassion and nonresistance, especially considering that He could have called more than twelve legions of angels to defend him in His innocence and set Him free.

Jesus as the Master set an example for us to follow. In order to follow Him, we must devote our heart, soul, mind, and body to doing His will. After Pentecost, the disciples walked this way, but until then they struggled to understand God’s spiritual kingdom. Though they were enthused and ready to establish a literal kingdom, it was obvious that they did not have sufficient power in their lives to overcome the flesh. When Christ was arrested, they all forsook him and fled. Though they had seen Jesus’s many miracles and had heard His many teachings, in the time of test they failed. They seemed unable to grasp the spiritual truths that Christ taught them about His kingdom.

Peter claimed he would follow Jesus to the death; however, his boldness vanished and he denied His Lord and Master. Lip service was his weakness as the real test revealed. However, our souls are stirred when we see his bitter tears as he realized his sin of denying Christ and repented. Peter then made the choice to truly follow Him. He became a valiant soldier of the cross, regardless of the ever-present persecution. In Rome, at the end of life, he felt so unworthy to be crucified as Christ had been that he asked to be crucified with his head down. Peter spoke of the Christian faith as “being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire” (1 Pet. 1:7).

The preaching of Christ’s kingdom became priority for the apostles after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They were motivated and emboldened to proclaim the gospel of salvation wherever they went. Their actions brought reactions. People were stirred. In some cities there were many converts, and resistance arose among the rulers of the people. Strong opposition with imprisonment and stoning awaited these preachers of righteousness. However, their witnessing brought many souls to Christ.

Christ comforted His disciples with the promise that no sparrow would fall without His Father’s notice. If He cares for the sparrow on the housetop and provides for its needs, will He not also care for His children? He has promised to intercede for us with His heavenly Father. What a consolation!

We need not fear those who can only kill our body—they can never kill our soul. However we have reasons to fear the evil one. His devices, tricks, and evil influence are causing many people to lose the way to heaven. The fear of man continues to be one of his devices.

Those who accused Christ of being Beelzebub (the devil) were using that label to further their persecution. Fear can creep into our minds very easily, especially when we are falsely accused. Even if persecution is imminent, we must remain true to our loving Lord. When we place our confidence in Christ, we will declare His workings to anyone who asks a reason of the hope we have.

Practical Truths for Today

Do we experience persecution today? Will young people ever see any persecution? What really is persecution? The dictionary defines persecution as hostility and ill treatment, especially because of race, political orientation, or religious beliefs. Persistent annoyance and harassment is an additional definition. Severe persecution can cause damage, whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual; however, to be persecuted for one’s faith is the most consequential to the believer, and the subject of our lesson.

While persecution from unbelievers is a test, it can strengthen conviction in the hearts of those who truly follow God. In some countries of the world, a Christian who openly declares his faith will suffer persecution. May God give us vision and grace to testify for Him regardless of persecution. We can earnestly pray to Him for help in time of need.

The Christian does not invite persecution, but he will not compromise his convictions to avoid it. His boldness and courage is sometimes misinterpreted as fanaticism. Our virtuous living may threaten the selfish interests of others, and they may respond by resisting us. We must not become offended if this happens.

Revival evangelists who preach soul-rousing repentance sermons often initiate or fan a flame of conviction in their listeners. We may have come to sorrow for our sins and become converted by listening to these sermons. Whether in church, in the midst of a softly plowed field, or in the remotest part of the world, conviction can seize us equally well. Peace floods over us as we come to the foot of Calvary’s cross. With fear and trembling we confess to those we have wronged, which brings the pleasant results of a peaceful boldness for Christ. We are willing to bear our cross—to be mistreated and even persecuted.

We made the right choice. We have been set free. The apostle James instructs us together with all believers, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2).

Persistent scolding, teasing, or harassment can happen in a Christian home or in a Christian school. This environment, if not checked, can hinder a child’s emotional development and later stifle spiritual growth. When God rules the home, parents will control unruliness by careful teaching and good example. Teasing, abusive language, or chronic criticism in a home is not acceptable behavior. Such behavior is also a great deterrent to having a happy, healthy school. Consecrated parents and schoolteachers can do much to foster a positive environment in the classroom and on the playground.

Sometimes young Christians who may be immature or just a bit different get subtle or even open teasing. A consecrated youth group will not indulge in such behavior, but the young people will kindly and respectfully relate to each other in an honorable and charitable way.

Questions

1. Do affluent conditions cause less persecution?
2. Can we joyfully take criticism, or do we consider it persecution?
3. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). Explain this verse for this time.
4. 1 Mosie Lister (1921–2015), “What More Could He Do?”
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).