Topical Bible: Persecution: Christ Was Patient Under

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The life and ministry of Jesus Christ serve as the ultimate example of patience under persecution. Throughout the Gospels, Christ's responses to hostility and suffering reveal His steadfastness and unwavering commitment to His divine mission. His patience under persecution is a central theme that underscores His role as the Suffering Servant prophesied in the Old Testament.

Prophetic Foretelling

The patience of Christ under persecution was foretold by the prophet Isaiah, who described the Messiah as a suffering servant. Isaiah 53:7 states, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth." This prophecy highlights the silent endurance and submission of Christ in the face of suffering.

Examples from the Gospels

1. Rejection in Nazareth: Early in His ministry, Jesus faced rejection from those in His hometown of Nazareth. Despite their disbelief and attempts to harm Him, Jesus remained composed and continued His mission. Luke 4:28-30 recounts, "On hearing this, all the people in the synagogue were enraged. They got up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him over the cliff. But Jesus passed through the crowd and went on His way."

2. Confrontations with Religious Leaders: Throughout His ministry, Jesus encountered persistent opposition from the Pharisees and other religious leaders. Despite their attempts to trap Him with questions and accusations, Jesus responded with wisdom and patience. In Matthew 22:15-22 , when questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus calmly replied, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s," leaving His adversaries amazed and silenced.

3. Betrayal and Arrest: In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced betrayal by Judas Iscariot and arrest by the authorities. Despite the emotional and physical anguish, Jesus remained patient and submitted to the will of the Father. Matthew 26:50-54 records His response to the arrest: "Friend," Jesus replied, "do what you came for." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him. At that moment, Jesus said to the crowd, "Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me."

4. Trial and Crucifixion: During His trial and crucifixion, Jesus exemplified ultimate patience and forgiveness. He endured false accusations, mockery, and physical abuse without retaliation. In Luke 23:34 , as He hung on the cross, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." His prayer for His persecutors demonstrates His profound patience and love even in the face of extreme suffering.

Theological Significance

Christ's patience under persecution is not merely an example of moral fortitude but is deeply rooted in His divine nature and mission. His endurance fulfilled the prophecies concerning the Messiah and demonstrated His obedience to the Father's will. Hebrews 12:2-3 encourages believers to look to Jesus as the ultimate example: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Through His patient endurance, Christ not only accomplished the work of redemption but also provided a model for believers to follow in their own experiences of persecution and suffering.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prosperity under Persecution
... By the increasing rigour of such persecution, our forefathers ... we have a guard for
Christ's army, but ... Be patient, then, my brethren, amidst the persecutions or ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... they have been thoroughly trained to patient endurance ... regard to the greater part;
for persecution is a ... As if Jesus Christ had not distinctly declared (Matthew 8 ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm

Where the Joy Is
... they "rejoiced that they were counted worthy" to suffer for the name of Christ. ... We
suffer the persecution; we rejoice in the reward of our patient endurance ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-nine where the joy.htm

The Remembrance of Christ
... It tends to give us patience under persecution. ... it will give you on a sick bed"the
name of Christ! It will help you to be patient to those who wait upon you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the remembrance of christ.htm

Twenty Sixth Sunday after Trinity God's Judgment when Christ ...
... Then he consoles them for their patient sufferings with the ... ready to punish as for
their persecution and torment ... is indicated where we read that Christ on the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty sixth sunday after trinity.htm

Letter cxxxix. To the Alexandrians.
... that the Church increased under the persecution of enemies ... of old won their crowns
of patient endurance by ... is deemed worthy to suffer for Christ; more blessed ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter cxxxix to the alexandrians.htm

That the Catholic Faith May be Confirmed Even by the Dissensions ...
... saying of the apostle, "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation ... fail, "Whoever
will live piously in Christ shall suffer persecution." [1248] Because ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 51 that the catholic faith.htm

The General Epistle of James
... a terminus a quo in the persecution that followed ... The profession of Christ without
a corresponding ... should withstand temptations, be patient under trials, dwell ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the general epistle of james.htm

Continuation of the Foregoing Argument Proofs from the Writings of ...
... therefore, both those who should suffer persecution, and He ... a judgment in regard
to them, that [Christ] shall be ... much the better one, and more patient, and the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xviii continuation of the foregoing.htm

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
... If we would but be patient under God's controlling ... purchased by the suffering and
death of Christ. ... sure to endure hardness, buffeting, persecution, and perils ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxiii exhortation to workers.htm