Compare Nehemiah 4:3's opposition to Jesus' experiences in the Gospels. A Common Thread: Mockery and Resistance - God’s servants often meet ridicule that tries to undermine the work He assigns. - Nehemiah and Jesus both faced taunts meant to discredit their mission and discourage their followers. Nehemiah 4:3 in Focus “Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, ‘Even if a fox climbs up on what they are building, it will break down their wall of stones!’” - Mockery: Tobiah sneers at the wall’s strength. - Motive: sow doubt, sap morale, halt God’s project (Nehemiah 4:1–2, 7–8). - Nehemiah’s response: prayer and steady work (Nehemiah 4:4, 6, 9, 17). Jesus in the Gospels: Steady Under Scorn - Nazareth: “Is this not the carpenter’s son?” (Matthew 13:55). - Jerusalem leaders: “You are not yet fifty years old, and You have seen Abraham?” (John 8:57). - Crucifixion site: - “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself.” (Matthew 27:42). - “Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross.” (Mark 15:32). - Soldiers: “Hail, King of the Jews!” while striking Him (John 19:3). Shared Patterns of Opposition - Ridicule of the work • Wall “too weak” (Nehemiah 4:3) • Cross “proves failure” (Matthew 27:40) - Assault on identity • “What are these feeble Jews doing?” (Nehemiah 4:2) • “If You are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3; 27:40) - Psychological warfare • Threats of attack (Nehemiah 4:8) • Plotting to seize or stone Jesus (John 7:32; 10:31) - Resolute perseverance • Nehemiah: kept building with weapon in hand (Nehemiah 4:17–18) • Jesus: “For this reason I was born… to testify to the truth.” (John 18:37) Key Contrasts - Scope of mission • Nehemiah: restore Jerusalem’s walls. • Jesus: redeem the world (John 3:17). - Response style • Nehemiah prayed aloud and armed workers (Nehemiah 4:9, 13–18). • Jesus often remained silent (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:12–14) or answered with Scripture (Matthew 4:4–10). - Outcome of opposition • Wall finished in fifty-two days (Nehemiah 6:15). • Resurrection on the third day (Luke 24:5–7). Lessons for Today - Expect resistance when advancing God’s purposes (2 Timothy 3:12). - Answer mockery with prayer, Scripture, and unwavering obedience. - God turns ridicule into testimony: completed walls and an empty tomb stand as proofs of His power. Scriptures for Further Reflection - Psalm 2:1–4 — God laughs at those who rage against Him. - Isaiah 50:6–9 — The Servant’s confidence amid insults. - 1 Peter 2:23 — “When He was reviled, He did not retaliate.” - Hebrews 12:2–3 — Consider Jesus, who endured hostility, so you will not grow weary. |
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