Should we be surprised?

We live in times of unprecedented opposition to the Christian Faith, from the subtle erosion of freedom, to the open diabolic incarceration and killing of believers – simply because they are believers! Yet we should remind ourselves that it was Jesus who said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33) and also “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18).  Christ’s three years of ministry were packed with miracles and meeting the needs of people. He displayed compassion, mercy, grace, and love, yet he was grossly misunderstood and mistreated. He showed authority in his teaching and knowledge. People were amazed. The religious rulers of the day were perplexed, confused, angry, indignant and jealous. They felt their authority and positions of power were threatened and undermined. Consequently, they did all they could to kill Jesus.  Immediately following his baptism by John the Baptist, Jesus was anointed and filled with the Spirit in preparation for his ministry and then led by the Spirit into the wilderness. He spent the next forty days in the wilderness withstanding the temptations of Satan. His ministry commenced with opposition and continued that way for three years.  If we are followers of the Master, should we expect anything less?