Jesus demonstrated that He was neither afraid or offended by anyone. He didn’t care if you threatened to kill Him. He knew who He was and why He came. This is why when Pilate started smelling himself, and told Jesus how much authority he had, Jesus told him “you have no authority over My life.” John 19:11
“No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.”
John 10:18 ESV
Notice what He said in the verse: This charge I have received from My Father. So it didn’t matter who was spouting off or threatening His life. His Father had already spoken, He and He alone had authority over His life. The text for today will demonstrate how little He cared about threats derailing His purpose. While He was teaching one day some told Him about the atrocities Pilate was committing mixing human blood with animal sacrifices. He was unfazed, but instead used it as a teachable moment to warn those who considered themselves religious. No one is safe who has rejected the Son of man.
He knew very well that those bringing the message were the same ones seeking ways to get rid of Him. So telling Him that Herod had put a bounty on His head was old news. Fear of man, if tolerated, will paralyze us and keep us from carrying out the Father’s will. Jesus remained undeterred by what people were saying and plotting. Let’s read.
“On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, “Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You.” And He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’ Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.”
Luke 13:31-33 NKJV
Jesus told the Pharisees-and I’m paraphrasing here-You who bring the message would only have known about the plot by being with Herod. So go back and tell that fox, I will continue doing everything I have been doing publicly, I will not run or hide. His threats won’t stop Me. As a matter of fact Behold! Look! I’ll cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. I like the way the message and the NLT quotes those verses.
“Jesus said, “Tell that fox that I’ve no time for him right now. Today and tomorrow I’m busy clearing out the demons and healing the sick; the third day I’m wrapping things up. Besides, it’s not proper for a prophet to come to a bad end outside Jerusalem.
Luke 13:32-33 MSG
“At that time some Pharisees said to him, “Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!” Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose. Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on my way. For it wouldn’t do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem!”
Luke 13:31-33 NLT
Not only was He telling them that He wasn’t going to stop doing what offends them, He was also making them aware that dying was why He came and it wouldn’t happen before the time. Of course they missed it completely. You can’t hinder God's plan with threats. Remember when the disciples tried to prevent Him from going to Judaea because of the same reason? John 11:5-10. We too must purpose in our hearts to never allow anyone’s threat to prevent us from being obedient to the Lord. The apostles were determined to obey no man when it came to the things of God. See Acts 4 & 5. Jesus was determined to obey no man but His Father.
Who are the foxes that you are allowing to silence you? Who are the Herods and Pharisees that threaten your witness for Christ? Say like your Master: I have no time for you, I must do the works of Him who called me. Jesus said there are twelve hours of daylight, make the best of it. Jesus performed most of His miracles in the daytime. John 9:3-5. Everything was done in the open for all to see. There were no secret agendas. The only miracle I read about in the dark was the healing of Malcus’ ear on the night of His betrayal. So He's speaking metaphorically here about the light within you. He said those who walk in the day won’t stumble because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. Get it? The light in us is greater than the light of this world. We don’t have to fear the threat of darkness emanating from the people of the world. They’re depending on natural light to be able to see and do harm. But he who has the Light, Jesus, need not ever walk in fear.
Even the natural darkness is light to Him. Psalm 139:12. We who have His light have victory over foxes. The night when no man can work speaks of the end of the age. When evangelizing as we know it will cease or no man can work. It speaks to the tribulation period. So now that we have daylight let’s burn it for the Kingdom of God. That’s why Jesus told Herod, little rocket man, sounding off at the mouth, “Behold! Listen up fox, you hide out in your den planning how you can take Me out. But I’m right here, in the open, in broad daylight. I’m going to continue casting out demons, healing the sick, today, tomorrow and when I’m done, I’ll allow Myself to be laid down, and then on the third day I’ll raise it back up!” 🎤 That’s who our General is, that’s our example. No wonder Peter, Paul, John, Stephen, James and the others were so vocal about their unwillingness to be quiet and not preach in Jesus Name.
Go tell that fox, whoever he or she is, that the gospel message is here to stay. Jesus Christ has given us a mandate and we will work while it is day, work while we still have the opportunity, work while the harvest is white. We will work until Jesus comes or calls us home. But we will not succumb to threats. Refuse to bake that cake, print those invitations, take those pictures or host what is against the Word of God. Stand up for your parental rights, demand to know what your kids are being taught and if they’re taking your underage daughters for an abortion. Jesus refused to be bullied, the apostles refused to be bullied and we, the twenty first century Church of Jesus Christ, must refuse to be bullied or pressured into going against the Word of God.
“I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when He comes to set up His Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”
2 Timothy 4:1-2, 5 NLT
“Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”
Isaiah 35:4 NLT
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant
November 24, 2021