Friday December 18th, 2020
Memorize: John 15:20
« Remember the lesson I told you, said Jesus to His disciples: “Servants are not greater than their master. If people treated me badly, they will treat you badly too” »
Read: Acts 9:1-9
As more and more people heard the message of Jesus and believed, Saul (who hated Christians) asked the high priest for letters to make it easier for him to arrest the Christians in Damascus.
While Saul was on his way to Damascus, a bright light flashed from the sky. Saul fell to the ground and heard a voice say,
“Saul, Saul. Why are you persecuting Me?”
“Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” the voice replied. “Go to the city where you will be shown what to do.”
Saul got up from the ground, but he couldn’t see a thing. He was completely blind. So the men who were with Saul took him by the hand and led him to the city of Damascus where he spent three days without food and water.
Why do some people hate Christians?
Do you think it would matter to a stranger living in another town that you read your Bible and believe in Jesus?
Why did Saul spend so much time and energy hurting Christians who were just minding their own business? In fact, they were helping poor people, healing the sick, and spreading the Good News of God’s love.
These Christians were taking the Light of Jesus into the dark (sinful) parts of the world. Saul’s problem was that their message of Light was also showing up the sin and wrong motives in his heart. Jesus said,
“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” John 3:20.
We should not be surprised when the Light of Jesus, which shines in our lives, shows up the sin in the hearts of unbelievers and makes them feel guilty and angry.
Study questions
1 – In your own words, explain in detail today’s memory verse
2 – What is the best way for Christians to defend themselves against hatred?
3 – What will you say to someone who hate Christians.
Author: Dave Strehler
Text edited by Naomie
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