The Gospels are consciously telling a story for a purpose. This historical narrative is true, and Luke specifically takes up the difficult task to gather, organize and narrate the story of Jesus’ life and ministry.

The world, manifested in the Pharisees in Jesus' day, boldly mocks and ridicules God and his people. How should we respond? Like Jesus; don't be surprised, and focus on Spiritual conviction, not debate. Bold and Grievous Matt 9:32-34, Psalm 1:1, 6 Party Line Response Matt 12:22-24 Party Line Talking Point Lu 7:31-34 Inveterate Methodology Jn 8:48-52 Inconsistent with Fact Jn 10:19-21 Consistent Response Pattern Lu 18:31-34 From Words to Action Lu 22:63-65 From Jews to Romans Lu 23:11 Whole of Humanity (Psa 2) Lu 23:35-36 Whole of History 2 Pet 3:1-5

Another form of opposition in the Gospels is raw skepticism and unbelief against God.

Hurricanes Harvey (TX), Irma (FL), Maria (PR), and the Las Vegas Massacre How are we to respond to these terrible things? They are sinners, and this was a day of judgement just as will come for everyone who does not repent. As Jesus said, “Your time is always ready.”

The current generation is Godless, opposed to the gospel and the Jesus of the Bible in exchange for a “historical” Jesus of their own making. We need to be prepared to interact with this liberal, worldly opposition. There will be deliberate, bold, relentless, energized by satan, pushing for humanism deception: False or inaccurate, deliberately intended to deceive. Does the thought of false accusation, persecution, and even death disrupt your hope or fulfill it?

The intellectual pride and arrogance of the world is in opposition to God, his Gospel and kingdom, even when it is folly

We will be opposed simply because of our alignment with Jesus, and just as he was hated, we too will be hated by those hard of heart.

The Thessalonians were either deceived or sympathetic to wrong doctrine on the second coming of Jesus. The church is susceptible to be deceived and led astray in regards to the truth. Paul, and God's ministers, want to see believers stable in their faith and the truth.