Jesus' Persecution

Biblical history tells us that it all started around 4 B.C. when a child was born in Bethlehem. The child Jesus was sent here to accomplish three things:

1. To make an end to the Mosaic Law (Matthew 5:7, Luke 16:16)
2. To set the pattern of salvation by living a sinless life (Hebrews 2:18, 4:15)
3. To put a church together that would follow his leadership and example (Matthew 16:18,19)

The Lord Jesus was so concerned about the leadership of His church that He handpicked twelve men through the guidance of his Father. After the replacement of Judas Iscariot with Matthias there were twelve spiritual sticks of dynamite that exploded on the scene in Jerusalem. It was A.D. 29 and the world would never be the same. Right in the midst of one of the greatest empire’s ever created, the Lord established His kingdom with its own leadership, order and culture. The Lord’s Church was here and it was filled with great power, might and spiritual determination.

The Early Church became a platform for the Lord to showcase the handiwork of his glory. For the first time in history a church was on the scene that had been given spiritual gifts to assist the church and the lives of the people they would impact. The church was filled with astonishing healings, miracles and testimonies of men who possessed understanding and wisdom not seen since the days of Solomon. Blinded eyes were restored, the lame began to walk, and the deaf began to hear. From the healing at the gate called “Beautiful” to the powerful covering of God witnessed when a viper bit Paul and yet he was unharmed, the Lord was with the Early Church until the very end.

Despite the undeniable evidence of God’s support of his Son Jesus Christ and the church that He built, there were always individuals who despised what God was doing and even attempted to resist his will. From Jesus’ birth until his death he was lied on, discredited and unbelieved.

Below we have listed many truths that were misrepresented:

1. Truth: Jesus was born of the Holy Ghost while Mary had never known a man.
   Matthew 1:18, Luke 1:31-35

   Lies/Rumors: It was spread that Jesus was born of fornication and that Mary being engaged to Joseph had committed adultery with another man.
   John 8:39-41

2. Truth: Jesus had been given power from his Father to cast out devils.
   Matthew 28:18

   Lies/Rumors: It was spread that Jesus cast out devils because he was the prince of the devils, and had an evil spirit himself.
   Matthew 9:34, 12:23,24, Mark 3:22, John 8:48

3. Truth: The Lord was given power from his Father to forgive sin.
   Matthew 9:5,6

   Lies/Rumors: It was spread that Jesus was arrogant and blasphemous, and made himself a god by saying he could forgive sins, which he could not do.
   Luke 7:47-49, John 10:32,33

4. Truth: The Lord mentioned that the family of God were those who are willing to do the will of his Father and this superseded his natural family. He also stated that unless you hate your natural family (which meant to put them second keeping God as your priority above everything. Not hating them, as we would use the word hate today.) and even your own life (which meant your way of doing things versus learning to do things Gods way) for his sake that you would not be fit for the kingdom of God.
   Matthew 10:34-39,12:46-50, Luke 14:25,26

   Lies/Rumors: It was spread that Jesus preached a message of hatred towards family and that he may at any time start a cult-like suicide movement with his followers.
   John 8:22

5. Truth: Jesus existed prior to his existence on earth, which was made evident by his statement “…before Abraham was, I am.”
   John 8:57,58

   Lies/Rumors: The Jewish nation took offense to this statement and spread rumors that Jesus was arrogant, exalted, and made himself greater than their father Abraham (and he was greater).
   John 8:53

6. Truth: God sent Jesus to be King of the Jews and led them into a new kingdom that superseded the kingdom of Israel.
   Luke 22:28, John 12:12-16, Colossians 1:13

   Lies/Rumors: The Jewish nation denied the Lord’s kingship and the Roman Empire made light of it. In fact, the Jews spread the rumor that Jesus was a self proclaimed King with no power or authority whatsoever. They even used this as a ploy to get him killed by saying they had no king but Caesar and anyone else who would make themselves a king was not Caesar’s friend (even though they did not recognize Rome as their leadership).
   Matthew 27:42,43, Luke 23:1,2, John 19:12,15,19-22

7. Truth: Jesus through the power of God raised Lazarus from the grave. In addition, the spirit of God raised Jesus himself from the dead.
   John 11:38-44

   Lies/Rumors: When it was discovered that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the grave many people denied it, even though it was known that Lazarus had been dead for 4 days. In fact, a group of Jews went about seeking to kill Lazarus so others would not believe in Jesus through this miracle. Furthermore, when it was discovered that Jesus had without doubt risen from the dead, it is a recorded fact that many were bribed to say that he did not rise and that his body had been stolen away.
   Matthew 27: 62-66, Matthew 28:11-15, John 11:53-57,
   John 12:9-11