It was not just ancient Israelites who killed the Old Testament prophets. It was not just the Jews and Romans who victimized early Christians. It was not just the Catholic Church which consented to the murder of martyrs. It has also been Protestants who persecuted Catholics and Orthodox who still mistreat Protestants. We cannot point a finger without pointing it at our own sins. Despite our protests, are we any different?
Rather than identifying with the evils of Christian history, are we like the Pharisees who deceived themselves that they were different? Rather than confess our sins, do we live in denial? In Matthew 23:29-36 Jesus condemned religious leaders who would become involved not only his own crucifixion, but also the martyrdom of his followers. If it is possible for very dedicated and devout people to kill and crucify, scourge, and persecute God’s prophets, what about us? How have we treated the prophets, wise men and scribes sent by Jesus?
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