How can we respond to persecution, following Jesus' example in Matthew 26:67? The Moment of Persecution “Then they spat in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him” (Matthew 26:67). What Jesus Did—and Did Not Do • He absorbed the insults without retaliating (cf. Isaiah 50:6). • He remained silent, entrusting Himself to the Father’s plan (cf. 1 Peter 2:23). • He kept loving the very people who abused Him (cf. Luke 23:34). Why His Response Matters • It fulfills prophecy, confirming Scripture’s reliability (Isaiah 50:6; Psalm 22:7–8). • It models the path every disciple is called to walk (1 Peter 2:21). • It exposes the darkness of sin and magnifies divine grace (John 3:19–21). • It proves strength is found in obedience, not retaliation (Philippians 2:8–11). Practical Ways We Can Follow Him 1. Expect opposition – “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). 2. Resist the impulse to strike back – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil” (Romans 12:17). 3. Commit the situation to God’s judgment – “Entrust yourselves to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). 4. Speak blessing, not curses – “Bless those who curse you” (Luke 6:28). 5. Serve tangible needs of opponents – “If your enemy is hungry, feed him” (Romans 12:20). 6. Rejoice in eternal reward – “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). Promises to Sustain Us • His presence in every trial—Matthew 28:20. • A future vindication—2 Thessalonians 1:6–7. • The Spirit’s power to endure—Acts 1:8. • An unshakable kingdom—Hebrews 12:28. Key Verses to Remember Matthew 5:10–12; 1 Peter 2:21–23; Romans 12:17–21; Luke 6:27–29. |
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