As it became increasingly clear that one must choose for or against Jesus, opposition to Him and to His kingdom hardened. Jesus claimed to be Lord of the Sabbath and the Servant predicted by Isaiah. This brought direct conflict with the Pharisees.

As I reflected upon the oppositions I have from following Jesus Christ, I only had some ridicules from a small number of my okios.  The opposition came when I tried to share the Gospel to my basketball friends.  Majority of my basketball friends are non-believers.  The ridicule came in the follow forms:

1. Why are you being so naive and so silly for believing a man made religious system?

2.  So you really give away 10% of your income towards the church?  You are such a foolish fanatic for wasting your money that way.  Will Jesus give you food when you follow Him?

3. Why do religious leaders use their power to abuse people?  Aren’t they suppose to be God’s servants?   (People’s perception of followers of Christ is negative because media covering scandals)

Overall, the opposition comes in the form of my values clashing the values of this world.  Jesus Christ did not verbally depend himself when he was accused.  He focused on doing God’s will of bringing healing and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.  Likewise, God is telling me to focus on bringing healing through pointing the love of Jesus Christ to friends.  I am to focus on reflecting the love of Christ by following the example of Jesus Christ (v.18-21)

Overall, my family and close friends are very supportive in my walk with Jesus Christ.  My wife is very supportive of my role as a youth pastor here in PGC.  My parents are very supportive in my role as a youth pastor and I am very thankful for that.  I experienced tremendous love and support from brothers and sisters here at PGC.

For the brother and sisters I serve, some face opposition from the parents.  The parents would not like to see their teens spending their precious time away from academic development.  Some face opposition from peers in the form of ridicule similar to what I faced.  Going to fellowship means missing out on group hang out on Friday.

I  learn and read about brothers and sisters in places with severe persecution.  Following Jesus Christ means alienation from family, loss of status, and even imprisonment and death.  The Spirit draws me to pray and give financially to support brothers and sisters.