From Persecution to Praise
Mark 3:21
And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”
Sadly, after teaching and healing multitudes of people, Jesus gets no applause from members of His family; instead, they actually call Him insane. Friend, has someone close to you ever called you crazy for following Jesus? Has anyone labeled you a fool for worshiping “a dead man”? Jesus understands. During His lifetime, Pharisees called Him a blasphemer, disciples denied knowing Him, and family members maligned Him. But did Jesus stop loving those who mistreated Him? No! Pharisees like Paul, disciples like Peter, and family members like James would come to accept Him as their merciful Lord and Savior.
Love those who persecute you as well. They may start praising Jesus sooner than you think!
Further Reflection
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:44-45a