JESUS’ ESCAPE FROM ASSASSINATION ATTEMPTS
Throughout His ministry, Jesus faced numerous assassinations attempts by His enemies. However, these attempts were always thwarted because the God-determined time for His sacrificial death had not yet arrived. These events demonstrate the divine protection over Jesus until His appointed time. Here are some notable instances:
1. The Synagogue in Nazareth
After reading from the scripture and preaching in the synagogue in Nazareth, the people were infuriated by His message. As recorded in the Gospel of Luke: “And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way” (Lk 4:28-30).
2. Theological Dispute in the Temple
During a heated theological dispute between Jesus and the Jews in the Temple area, His adversaries attempted to stone Him. However, Jesus miraculously evaded their grasp: “Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by (Jn 8:59).
3. Feast of the Dedication
At the Feast of Dedication, Jesus was walking in the Temple on the Portico of Solomon. During a discussion with the Jews, He declared: “I and my Father are one” (Jn 10:30). This statement incited the Jews to pick up stones to stone Him: “Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him” (Jn 10:31). Despite their hostility, Jesus once again eluded capture: “Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand” (Jn 10:39).
4. Plot After Raising Lazarus
After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and plotted to kill Him: “Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples” (Jn 11:53-54).
REFLECTION
The instances of Jesus escaping assassination attempts are powerful reminders of God’s sovereignty and the divine timing in the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Despite the opposition and threats He faced, Jesus was unwavering in His mission to fulfill the will of His Father.
As Christians, we can draw several important lessons from these accounts:
1. Divine Protection: Just as Jesus was protected until His appointed time, we too are under God’s protection. We are encouraged to trust in His timing and sovereignty in our lives.
2. Courage and Faithfulness: Jesus remained faithful and courageous in the face of threats and opposition. We are called to stand firm in our faith, even when facing trials and persecution.
3. God’s Timing: Everything happens according to God’s perfect timing. Jesus’ life and ministry unfolded according to God’s divine plan, and our lives are similarly in His hands.
4. Mission Focused: Despite the attempts on His life, Jesus remained focused on His mission. As followers of Christ, we are called to stay focused on our mission to spread the Gospel and live out our faith.