Penetrating Question!
Penetrating Question!
“Why are you persecuting Me?
Saul was zealous in his hatred of the followers of Christ Jesus. This Man, Christ Jesus had been tried (illegally), found guilty (false charges) and hung on a cross to die. He died! His followers were spreading the idea that He was alive, resurrected from the grave.
Saul was a Pharisee and incensed, greatly incensed, that anyone would believe such hogwash!
Saul made it his personal vindictive mission to go after these Jewish believers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
NASB Acts 9:1-2 “Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest (who was implicit in the illegal trials against Jesus),
2 and asked for letters from him (high priest) to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”
Saul traveled with others, heading north to Damascus in Syria, from Jerusalem. They were close to Damascus, “and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him;
4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’” Acts 9:4 That question would stay with Saul for a long time. Why indeed was he persecuting a dead man?
Saul quickly answered, “Who are You, Lord?” “And He said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,
6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.’”
Acts 9:5-6
The men with Saul stood speechless, they heard the voice but saw ~ no one!
Saul stood up and though his eyes were open, he could not see. So the men led him by the hand, and took him into Damascus. Acts 9:7-8
For three days Saul was without sight. And he fasted, he did not eat or drink. Acts 9:9
During that time, did he think about the question the Lord Jesus asked him, “Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Acts 9:4
~ Take it to heart ~
Could Jesus ask that question of you? “insert your name why are you persecuting Me?”
Did you know persecuting Christians is persecution of Jesus Himself?