The Christian life presents multitudes of challenges and obstacles.
Soedarmo (not his name), a Javanese young man, became a believer in a church of predominantly Chinese Indonesians. Upon his conversion, Soedarmo’s Muslim father told him to leave home and never return. The young man took this frightening step. Later, he answered God’s call to be a pastor. His father sent word, “if you become a Christian pastor, you can never come to my home, and if I or your brothers have a chance, we will kill you.”
A fellow student said, “You have given up much to be a Christian.” “Yes,” he answered, “but it is worth it.” What challenges do you face because you know and follow Jesus?
Experiencing rejection (Mark 6:1-6)
Christians often face the challenge of rejection and misunderstandings from people who should know them. Many misunderstand Christians’ dedication and question Christians’ motives.
Jesus faced such rejection. After the raising of Jairus’ daughter, Jesus returned to his hometown, Nazareth, that had rejected him just a year before. Jesus was well known in this village of some 200.
The Lord’s reputation preceded him and the people began to ask how he did the miracles and why he taught with such authority. After all, was he not the carpenter, the son of Mary and the family member of his brothers and sisters? The people were offended or scandalized over him and insulted him since usually one was identified by his father not his mother.
Jesus used a proverb from the area showing that one often is rejected, misunderstood or underrated by those who should know him best. Jesus could do few miracles because of the unbelief and resistance of the people.
Followers of Jesus still find many who question them and their motives. One challenge of following Jesus is the criticism and misunderstanding of people who observe them. Christians must not, however, allow this challenge to hinder their service for Jesus.
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Facing fearful situations (Mark 6:43-52)
Another challenge for believers grows out of fear-causing events. After the miracle of feeding the 5,000, Jesus compelled his disciples to get in a boat and go ahead of him to Bethsaida. The reason for sending the disciples may have been the danger of the crowd trying to make Jesus a king. The preparation of the disciples called for them to experience a test of faith and trust. Times of great spiritual blessings often are balanced by experiences of trial; otherwise, believers might become pampered children rather than mature men and women.
A wind arose on the lake and the disciples were straining at the oars. The experience obviously involved terror and uncertainty. Although they had just seen the Master feed 5,000, the disciples were not able to trust their safety to him.
Jesus came to them at the fourth watch (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.). They had been battling the waves all night. Jesus went to the disciples by walking on the lake. No good reason exists to interpret this event as Jesus walking by the lake.
It appeared to the disciples, Jesus would pass them by; they thought he was a ghost; they were terrified. The Master called to them, assured them it was he, climbed into the boat and settled the waves. Matthew reported Peter’s effort to walk on the water (Matthew 14:28-32).
The disciples were terrified because the lesson of the loaves and fish made no lasting impression. If Jesus could multiply the loaves and fish to care for the hunger of the thousands, then he could protect them in the face of the storm.
Believers should learn from experiences that Jesus is trustworthy to care for them in times of danger and stress. Believers face situations of danger and need knowing he is able to care, protect and provide.
Confronting traditionalism (Mark 7:8-9, 13)
A third challenge believers face calls for confronting traditionalism that is manmade, human teachings and rules that are not biblical. Such replacement causes Christians to lose biblical meanings.
During Jesus’ ministry, one such tradition was washing before eating. The custom had declined from an act to show the separation of God’s people from sinful groups to a matter of pride. When asked why his disciples ate with unwashed hands, Jesus showed the Jews were frustrating God’s will by holding to tradition.
Jesus illustrated the problem. The Jews were teaching their doctrines as God’s word (v. 7), laying aside God’s word (v. 8), rejecting God’s Word (v.9) and robbing God’s Word of its power (v. 13). When believers revere manmade traditions, they lose the power of God’s Word.
Jesus pointed to one tradition. Jews were claiming to have dedicated their property to God (Corban) to avoid using their means to help their parents who were old. Jesus indicated that the command to honor father and mother went beyond obeying them to caring for them when they fell into need. He taught that these Jews were nullifying the Word of God by their use of human tradition—even though the tradition sounded religious.
Believers today must recognize and avoid any tendency to place manmade teachings ahead of God’s revealed will. True holiness comes as a result of inner dedication not outward following of tradition. Believers must respond to the challenge of recognizing and observing the true teachings of Jesus and rejecting manmade traditions.
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