49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” – John 11:49-50
Public Enemy Number One
It is amazing the extremes we will go to and the justifications we will fabricate to take drastic actions. Lazarus had lain dead in his tomb for four days. Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, gives the command, “Lazarus, come out”, and Lazarus walks out in his grave clothes. Not exactly an everyday occurrence. Everyone is astonished. Most of the friends of the family believe in Jesus. Some, however, went and reported the miracle to the Pharisees. Instead of asking how the works of Jesus might fulfill prophecies, they are concerned with their future comfort. God was in their midst and they were afraid of Caesar. The conclusion? Kill God to appease Caesar.
Public Enemy Number Two
As we have already looked at, Jesus conquered death and ascended into heaven, yet His absence did not satisfy His enemies. Even before He went to the cross, they were gunning for victim number two. Lazarus. Satan is opposed not only to the Trinity but also their works and Word. The fact that Lazarus was walking around after having lain dead in the grave for four days put a big bulls-eye on him. The words of Caiaphas, “It is better for you that one man should die for the people…” were quickly edited.
10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. – John 12:10-11
Never Satisfied
First Jesus. Then Lazarus. Where does it end? When does it end? It doesn’t. Not until Jesus comes back. The animosity of Satan towards God is mirrored by that of sinners towards saints. Christ’s blood may have satisfied the Father, but not the father of lies. He wants more. After Jesus was crucified, Stephen was stoned to death. Then James was beheaded. In time, many of the Apostles would be executed for their faith. Philip was crucified. Matthew was killed with a halberd (an axe like weapon). James, the brother of Jesus was beaten to death. Matthias was beheaded. Andrew was crucified. Mark was torn to pieces. Peter was crucified upside down. Jude, Bartholomew and Thomas were also martyred. After much suffering for Christ, Paul was eventually beheaded in Rome. Eventually, Luke, Barnabas, Timothy and Simon were also martyred for their faith.
Three things are never satisfied;
four never say, “Enough”: – Proverbs 30:15b
If I could, I would like to add Satan to the list of things never satisfied. He will never say enough. The death of Jesus and the disciples did not satisfy him. During the Roman empire, thousands of Christians were killed for their faith. Some saints were tossed to wild beasts, others were burned at the stake. Some were covered with the skins of beasts and torn by dogs, others were decapitated. Many were nailed to crosses. Some were used as human torches. Many were tortured. Many were imprisoned. The means of execution and forms of tortures were numerous. Unfortunately, they did not end with the fall of the Roman empire.
Church Seeds
Between 2005 and 2015, 900,00 Christians were martyred. Ninety thousand Christians a year being killed for their faith in this day and age? Aren’t we supposed to be more intelligent than our predecessors? Aren’t we supposed to be more civilized? How can this be possible? Satan will never be satisfied. He will never say enough. Paul said, “the gospel is the power of God for salvation.” Jesus said, “Follow me.” The Bible warns, and history confirms, following Jesus comes at a cost. Satan will stop at nothing to prevent the gospel from spreading. Jesus was well aware of this truth. He expects His followers to count the cost, and then compare the cost to the reward. Despite Satan’s efforts, the gospel will keep spreading. The deaths of the saints were not in vain. The Word of God that they lived and died for is indestructible. And because they were faithful to it I am confident they entered into the joy of the Lord hearing, “Well done good and faith servant.”
20Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.” – John 15:20-21
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” – Matthew 16:34-26
“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” – Tertullian