2545 Jesus Christ, opposition to

Jesus Christ encountered criticism, grumbling and plotting because he was seen as a threat to the religious and political hierarchy, and because he exposed sin.

Opposition by different groups

By family and friends Lk 4:24-29 See also Mt 13:55-57 pp Mk 6:3-4; Mk 3:21; Jn 7:3-5

By religious leaders Mt 12:14 pp Mk 3:6 pp Lk 6:11 See also Jn 11:47-53

By political leaders Mt 2:13-14; Lk 13:31

Opposition through criticism and accusation

Criticism of Jesus Christ’s choice of company Mt 9:11 pp Mk 2:16 pp Lk 5:30 See also Lk 7:39; Lk 19:7

Criticism for breaking with tradition Mt 15:1-2 pp Mk 7:5 Though criticism is directed at the disciples, it is really against Jesus Christ; Lk 10:16; Lk 11:38

Accusations of Sabbath-breaking Jn 5:16 See also Mt 12:2 pp Mk 2:24 pp Lk 6:2; Mt 12:10 pp Mk 3:2 pp Lk 6:7; Lk 13:14; Lk 14:1

Accusations of blasphemy Jn 10:33 See also Mt 9:3 pp Mk 2:6-7 pp Lk 5:21; Mt 26:65 pp Mk 14:64; Jn 5:18; Jn 10:36

Accusations of being demon-possessed Jn 10:20 See also Mt 12:24 pp Mk 3:22 pp Lk 11:15; Jn 7:20; Jn 8:48

Reasons for opposing Jesus Christ

Because of hatred Jn 15:23-25 See also Jn 7:7; Jn 8:40; Jn 15:18

Because people’s minds are closed Jn 8:43-44 See also Jn 8:37; 2Co 4:4

Jesus Christ knew where opposition would lead

Mt 16:21 pp Mk 8:31-32 pp Lk 9:22 See also Mt 17:22-23 pp Mk 9:31; Mt 20:17-19 pp Mk 10:32-34 pp Lk 18:31-32; Lk 9:44

Unsuccessful opposition before the crucifixion

Early attempts to arrest Jesus Christ Jn 10:39 See also Jn 7:30,32,44

Attempts on Jesus Christ’s life Jn 8:59 See also Lk 4:28-30; Jn 7:19; Jn 10:31

Opposition that led to the crucifixion

Plots by the Jewish leaders Mt 26:3-4 pp Mk 14:1-2 pp Lk 22:2 See also Mt 21:46 pp Mk 12:12 pp Lk 20:19; Jn 11:57

The chief priests stirred up the crowd Mt 27:20-23 pp Mk 15:11-14 pp Lk 23:21 See also Jn 19:15

Rejection by political authorities Mt 27:26 pp Mk 15:15 pp Lk 23:24-25 See also Lk 23:7-12; Jn 19:16; Ac 4:25-27; Ps 2:1-2

The mockery of the Roman soldiers Mt 27:27-31 pp Mk 15:16-20

The betrayal by Judas Iscariot Mt 26:14-16 pp Mk 14:10-11 pp Lk 22:3-6; Mt 26:47-50 pp Mk 14:43-45 pp Lk 22:47-48; Jn 18:2-5

Opposition at the crucifixion

Mt 27:39-44 pp Mk 15:29-32 pp Lk 23:35-39; Jn 19:21

Opposition to Jesus Christ in apostolic preaching

Ac 3:13-15 See also Ac 2:23; Ac 4:10; Ac 5:30; Ac 7:52-53; Ac 10:39; Ac 13:27-29

Saul of Tarsus opposes Jesus Christ

Ac 9:4-5 See also Ac 22:7-8; Ac 26:14-15

See also