Persecuted By The Pious?

Text: John 15:26-16:4

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Over the last several weeks, we have heard how life in this fallen world is a vale of tears — a valley of sorrow, brokenness, and affliction. That is to say, this life is not a pleasant walk on the beach, but a rocky road to the cross. 

We have also heard how the paganized world will persecute the church. We have been warned by Jesus that this persecution from the world is to be expected. Hatred, slander, rejection toward the church — these are normal actions of the pagan world to you, me, and Christ’s Church.  

But today, in our reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus turns the heat up even more.  Jesus tells us that we should expect persecution not only from the world but from inside the church.  He says:

“The hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.” (John 16:2)

Now, let those words settle in your ears. Persecution will not only come from those outside the church, but from those within—those who bear the name of religion, those who invoke the name of God.  It will come from those who are not motivated by faith but by a zeal for works-righteousness.  It will come from those inside the church who are puffed up by pride cloaked in piety. Yes, persecution often wears a clerical collar, a nice suit,  or even an old lady’s dress.  

Again, let that sink in. In today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus is not talking about atheists, communists, or even pagan idolaters. He is talking about religious people. The ones who believe they are doing God a favor. The ones with pious lips, folded hands, and coffee cups with religious slogans.  

Dear friends, we need to wise up this morning and realize that the persecution of the faithful does not just come from outside the church. No, it often comes from within the church — by those who believe they are the guardians of truth.  But in reality, they are protecting a false gospel of works and a religious system built upon the idol of self-righteousness.

Let me explain this a bit more.  

If we go all the way back to Genesis chapter 4, we hear about the first murder in human history.  Now, this murder was not committed by a godless man on a dark street corner. No, it was committed by a religious man in a field. Yes, I’m speaking about Cain and Abel.

Now, please listen.  Don’t tune this out: if you remember, both Cain and Abel offered sacrifices to God. Cain gave from the fruit of the ground; Abel, from the firstborn of his flock. On the outside, both were religious acts. But the Lord looked not merely at the outward ritual but the heart. Abel offered his sacrifice in faith — trusting in the mercy and promise of God. Cain, on the other hand, gave his offering out of obligation, or worse, out of pride, believing that God should reward his efforts.

However, when God accepted Abel’s offering but not Cain’s, Cain burned with anger. He pouted. He grumbled. And his sinful anger, which God warned him to control, well… that anger controlled him instead.

And so, as you know, Cain killed Abel.  

But notice this: Cain did not kill a criminal. Cain did not kill a rapist or a drug addict.  He didn’t kill an enemy. He killed a righteous brother. He murdered faith with religious zeal. He shed blood because Abel's trust in God exposed the emptiness of Cain’s works. And like a religious man defending his own system, Cain thought he was right to do so.

And so, mark this, there are those in the  Church that uphold the spirit of Cain.  They are pious, zealous, and murderous – wanting to defend their own works-righteousness at all costs.  They will defend their ego, their status, and their religious resumes to the death.  

Let me give you another Biblical example.  

Again, this is important.  Listen up; don’t let your mind drift.  Remember, the Apostle Paul?  Before Paul became an Apostle, we saw the same spirit of Cain at work in Paul.  

Keep in mind that Paul (who used to be called Saul) was not a lazy atheist.  He was not a flimsy pagan.  No, Saul was a devout Pharisee, zealous for the Law. He memorized big portions of the Bible. He followed every tradition. And yet, he dragged Christians from their homes, delivered them to prison, and approved of their deaths.

Why?

Because the Gospel of Jesus Christ — this message of justification by grace alone through faith alone — undermined everything Saul had built his life upon. The Gospel of Jesus destroyed Saul’s religious portfolio. It pulled the rug out from under his works-based religion.

So, like Cain, Saul went on a religious rampage. He believed he was defending God. He thought he was purifying the faith. And in doing so, he persecuted Christ Himself.

But then, as you know, Jesus struck Saul down on the road to Damascus, saying, 

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

And from that moment on, Paul became the great apostle of grace. The man who once persecuted the church became the man who would be persecuted. Paul was stoned, beaten, imprisoned, mocked, and finally beheaded — not just by pagans, but often by the same religious establishment he once served.

So again, we see the same pattern. The spirit of Cain and the spirit of Saul are one and the same. Both are animated by self-righteous zeal. Both see the Gospel of Christ as a threat. And both lash out against those who trust in Christ alone.

Dear friends, let’s be clear. Religious zeal is not necessarily godly zeal. A person can pray five times a day, memorize Scripture, build orphanages, teach Sunday School, or serve as an elder or pastor and still hate Christ. The reason why?  The old Adam hates grace. The sinful nature despises the idea that we are bankrupt before God and that Jesus does everything by Himself for our salvation.

And so, mark this, the Gospel is offensive to the old Adam that is saturated in our ego and works-righteousness.  We do not like to hear that our works – apart from Christ are filthy rage.  We don’t like to hear that our ladders to heaven are broken. We don’t like to hear that our piety, apart from Christ, is damnation in disguise.

And so, when that truth is preached — when the cross of Christ is lifted high and when justification by faith alone is proclaimed — those entrenched in works-righteousness will rage. They will foam at the mouth. They will twist Scripture, slander the preacher, and, yes, persecute the faithful. And they will do it believing that they are serving God.

Baptized Saints, do not be surprised by this.  Jesus told us this would happen. He says:

“I have said these things to you to keep you from falling away.” (John 16:1)

In other words, Jesus is warning us ahead of time, so that we will not be caught off guard. Baptized Saints, do. not be surprised when you are ridiculed — not by atheists — but by fellow “so-called Christians.” Don’t be shocked when your commitment to grace alone causes conflict in the church. Do not stumble when religious institutions, denominations, or even pastors oppose the pure Gospel. Why? . . . 

Because it has always been this way. It was this way for Abel. It was this way for Paul. It was this way for Martin Luther. And it will be this way for you and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. 

Baptized Saints, remember that you are not above your Master. They hated Jesus, and they will hate you. They crucified Jesus, and they will slander you. But take heart: you are in good company – you are with Christ.

Baptized Saints, remember that you are not alone in this world of religious wolves. Jesus sends you the Comforter – the Holy Spirit - the Spirit of Truth. And the Holy Spirit testifies to Christ crucified. The Holy Spirit will arm you with the Word of God. He will strengthen you in the Sacraments. And He will anchor your weary souls in the promises of Jesus.

And so, the world may call you hateful. The church of Cain may label you divisive. The spirit of Saul may throw stones at you. They may strip your reputation. They may slander your name.  Ah, but do not lose heart for their hatred of the Gospel, which they mask in false piety, will not overcome the church. The gates of hell shall not prevail. The wolves will howl. The false brothers will rage. But they will not win because they cannot touch your salvation. You are baptized, you are absolved, you are fed with Christ’s body and blood, and you are safe in the ark of the Church.  You belong to Christ and Christ belongs to you. 

And so, this day, let the spirit of Cain rage. Let the spirit of Saul accuse. Let the church of works throw stones. But you, dear Baptized Saints, do not flinch. Stand firm in the Gospel. Stand firm in Christ. Stand firm in the truth – knowing that you are justified apart from works.  Know with certainty that you are redeemed by the blood of Christ, that you are forgiven for Christ’s sake, and the tomb is empty for you.  

And again, when you are persecuted, remember:

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you... on My account.” (Matt. 5:11)

Yes, blessed. Not cursed. Not forgotten. Blessed in Christ. 

In the name of Jesus. Amen.