I have often wondered how we express our faith today would differ from the faith expressed by the disciples who lived in the first century. For those disciples, there was a common theme – persecution. Just before Jesus was arrested, He spent several hours with His disciples preparing them for what was to come. The Lord spoke of the reality of what it meant to follow Him and the reaction of the world to the truth they declared about Him. Chapters 14-17 of John detail that intimate time of teaching.
Jesus spoke to His disciples about the exclusivity of faith in Him. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14: 6). No other name offers salvation. No good work or system of religion can save. Only Jesus.
A life of faith expressing the exclusiveness of Jesus would create a reaction from those who live in spiritual darkness. “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you” (15:18).
Persecution would be part of demonstrating a visible and vocal faith. “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they followed My word, they will follow yours also. But all these things they will do to you on account of My name because they do not know the One who sent Me” (15:20-21). This persecution would be on “account of My name.”
Some of the persecution would come from religious people who would try to silence the voice of those who speak the truth in the name of Jesus. “These things I have spoken to you so that you will not be led into sin. They will ban you from the synagogue, yet an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering a service to God” (16:1-2).
Jesus told His disciples the Spirit had been with them for the last three years, but soon He would live inside them. They would carry the very truth the world would reject and persecute. “And He, when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment: regarding sin, because they do not believe in Me” (16:8-9). Wherever a follower of Jesus goes their mere presence would rile up the demonic spirits that hold people captive to deception. This reaction would come because of the presence of the Spirit living within a believer.
The Lord issued a final word on what the disciples could expect. “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world” (16:33). Peace is always present for those who follow Him and declare His name no matter what kind of persecution comes their way. Persecution and peace and part of a life of faith.
After saying these things, Jesus prayed and was arrested.
I was reading a prophetic word from Elaine Tavolacci this week who made a statement that is very much in keeping with this word today. She said “We are called to live above the worlds standards and in order to make an impact on this darkness around us, we need to be the light of the world. Light provokes darkness. That’s why the demons shrieked when Jesus walked by. ” (from her weekly blog called “A Word in Season,” an article dated 10.08.22 titled “Highway of Holiness”
I hope I live in a way that provokes darkness every day.
Thanks for your really excellent ministry. I have been reading your stuff for almost 10 years and share it with others when possible. The things you write bolster my faith. You are always in my prayers.