Question

ESSAY: OPPOSITION TO FAITH

Here are your objectives for this lesson:
Explain the problems that Jesus encountered during his ministry in Judea and Perea.
Describe how Christians today should respond to opposition or accusations that they may encounter.
Instructions:
Study three accusations made against Jesus and note how Jesus dealt with this opposition. In a 250 word essay, summarize Jesus’ response to this opposition and discuss how believers today should deal with opposition to their faith.
Remember to use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling when typing your essay.
Proper documentation includes both parenthetical citations within the body of your report anytime you summarize or quote a source, as well as a works cited page.
Sources to Use:
LiveBinder
Lesson 9, Public Ministry in Judea and Perea, Section 1 & 2
John 7
John 8:1-11
John 8:31-59
John 9
Matthew 5:43-46
Essay Requirements
Upload your paper into a Word document.
Word Count of 250 words.
Ensure that your paper follows MLA formatting:
(1) a heading
(2) a title
(3) an introduction paragraph
(4) a thesis statement (*the main idea of the paper, clearly presented in the introduction paragraph*)
(5) body paragraphs
(6) a conclusion paragraph
(7) and a Works Cited page with properly applied parenthetical citations. ( *if necessary* )
You will be graded primarily on your comprehension of the assignment goal(s).

Answer 1

Jesus dealt with accusations during his ministry with parables, compassion, and moral principles, as seen in John 8:1-11. Christians today are encouraged to respond to opposition with love and empathy, mirroring Jesus's teachings from Matthew 5:43-46. They should maintain peaceful resilience, respectful dialogue, and live out their beliefs through actions and character.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the face of opposition during his ministry, Jesus Christ countered allegations with wisdom and parables, advocating love and forgiveness as a response. While he performed healings and miracles, he was accused of blasphemy and inciting rebellion, which ultimately led to his crucifixion. An example is found in John 8:1-11, where Jesus is confronted with the case of an adulterous woman. According to the law, she would be stoned. Jesus responds not by denying the law, but by inviting those without sin to cast the first stone. This disarms the accusers and illustrates Jesus's approach to opposition with empathy and higher moral principles.

Modern Christians are encouraged to respond to opposition or accusations with compassion, understanding, and adherence to their principles. This approach is reflective of Jesus's command to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, as found in Matthew 5:43-46. Additionally, Christians are advised to rely on their community and faith for support, engaging in respectful dialogue and providing a living testimony through their actions and character.

Therefore, when faced with challenges, Christians today should reflect the responses of Jesus—meeting hostility with peaceful resilience, offering love in the face of hatred, and carrying an unwavering commitment to truth and grace—a constant inspiration for believers through the ages.

Answer 2

During his ministry in Judea and Perea, Jesus encountered opposition from various groups of people. Three accusations made against Jesus were that he was a blasphemer, that he was working with the devil, and that he was a false teacher. In John 8:58-59, Jesus claims to be the eternal God, which the religious leaders regarded as blasphemy. Jesus responded by telling them that he and his Father were one and that they could not understand his words because they did not know God. In John 8:34-36, Jesus responds to the accusation that he was working with the devil by telling the accusers that they were slaves to sin and that he came to set them free. In John 8:31-32, Jesus addresses the accusation that he was a false teacher by telling his followers that if they continue in his word, they would know the truth and the truth would set them free.

Christians today can respond to opposition or accusations they may encounter by following Jesus' example. They should remain confident in their faith and calmly address any accusations made against them. They can also rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom in their responses. Additionally, Christians can love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:43-46. It is important to remember that opposition and persecution are to be expected for those who follow Jesus, and they should not be discouraged by it but rather use it as an opportunity to grow in their faith.

In conclusion, Jesus responded to opposition during his ministry with calm confidence and truth, and Christians today should do the same. By relying on the Holy Spirit, loving their enemies, and remaining steadfast in their faith, believers can respond to opposition and accusations in a way that honors God and ultimately strengthens their relationship with Him.