Throwback Thursday | May 2011 | Like and subscribe!

Main message: Jesus’ critics actually validate who he is — their efforts to discredit him (attacking miracles, inventing testimony, accusing blasphemy, guarding his tomb) reveal that he performed miracles, claimed deity, and rose again; Christians should expect criticism and respond with integrity, faithful action, and love, following Jesus’ example.

Key points:

• A critical mouth reflects a critical heart; critics don’t define you — your response does. Expect criticism when you follow Christ.
• Critics tried to explain away Jesus’ miracles but implicitly acknowledged they happened; Jesus continued to act in power.
• Opponents sought false testimony because there was no truthful charge against Jesus; his truthfulness and integrity stood out.
• Attempts to stone Jesus for blasphemy show he claimed to be God; his statements and actions (forgiveness, miracles, references to Daniel/“I AM”) provoked that charge.
• Securing the tomb demonstrated the opponents’ fear of an empty tomb; the resurrection validated Jesus’ claims.
• Practical application: live with integrity, keep doing good, love your critics, and respond in Christlike ways (sometimes silence, sometimes action); surrender to Christ for forgiveness and power over the devil’s accusations.

Scriptures mentioned: Matthew 12, Matthew 26, Matthew 27, Revelation 12:10, Acts 18, Ephesians 4:29, John 8:58, John 10:33, Mark 2, Daniel, Exodus 3