Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, ‘’I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”
Some things never change. People talk about bad behavior online all the time and how violent the arguments sometimes get, but really …
In Jesus’ day, there was no “Facebook” or “Instagram” or online chatrooms to engage in. Everything was face to face, and instead of just ANGRILY TYPING EVERYTHING IN CAPITAL LETTERS!!!!!! the people back then actually picked up rocks to throw at Jesus.
To my way of thinking, it takes a lot of guts to say something you know people are not going to like when they are standing right there with rocks in their hands. It certainly takes a lot more courage than pounding out angry words while safely sitting behind a keyboard in the comfort of one’s home or favorite coffee shop.
Then again, there is the style and panache Jesus employs when responding to their accusations. “For which of these [good works] do you stone me?” he asks. Indeed.
Let’s Discuss: How do you deal with a hostile audience when you feel obligated to say something to them that they are not going to like?
Rich yesterday spoke of the echad use for relationship. It’s interesting to watch when this deep eternal relationship is spoken of by a believer during a media interview or discussion. Keeping it generic within the confines of being a “religious person” or speaking about “religion” provides a safe space for the media/reporter and for a Christian.. When the relationship with a personal savior enters in, there tends to be a deer in the head lights awkwardness that reporters/media verbally sprint away from. The believer may not get physically stoned but often is verbally stoned for being so bold…Tim Tebo for example.
Randy,
Thanks for checking in!
I appreciate your excellent points Randy! Courage is something that does normally go against the tide of the culture or the majority opinion. That is why it is courageous to take a stand. We seek God to make the stand He requires of us, we expect opposition, and we respond with truth, prayer and love for those opposing us. Jesus set the bar high. The cross proves that.
I like to look at it as showing my faith sharing my faith if I get stoned then I will be glad.