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Father forgive them. They do not know what they are doing. Those were some of Jesus’ last words as he was being executed. What an example of grace and forgiveness. It’s amazing to me that a man could offer forgiveness to the very people that lied about him, beat him, insulted him and then executed him in the most humiliating and painful way possible. But he wasn’t just a man. He was God in the flesh. That is the basic premise of the Christian faith.
God became man and entered our messed up world to set things right. And there is my excuse, my out, my escape route. Jesus was divine! He wasn’t like me. The bar would naturally be set higher for Jesus. It’s easy for me to rationalize that His life was atypical. I can view Jesus’ life as a kind of cosmic intervention, a gift to display, admire and discuss. No one expects us to actually become like Jesus…right? But suppose the gift was more like a torch that was being passed to us?
Consider another execution that was carried out a short time after Jesus’ death. This time the method was stoning. The condemned was a follower of Jesus. He wasn’t one of the twelve disciples. His job was to wait on tables and make sure the widows received food. But what he lacked in title, he made up for in wisdom and courage. He was outspoken against the hypocrisy of the religious establishment. The powerful Pharisees felt compelled to silence him but his only crime was that he told the truth. So they concocted charges against him and found witnesses willing to lie in court.
Facing his accusers, he boldly recounted their history of hatred and rejection of prophets through the ages. The pious religious leaders could not counter his testimony so they behaved like spoiled children, covering their ears and screaming to avoid hearing what they knew was the truth. Then they condemned Stephen to die by stoning. Stephen never cursed his accusers. In fact his last recorded words had a familiar ring to them; “Lord do not hold this sin against them."
Stephen’s life and death are problematic. By exhibiting Christ-like characteristics, even while dieing a brutal and unjust death, Stephen demonstrated not only what is possible but what is expected of us. Jesus’ took away our sins, Stephen took away our excuses.
He understood and embraced a new kind of kingdom; a kingdom without walls or armies; a kingdom where the leaders are servants and the meek are considered heroes; a kingdom so counter-cultural that its practitioners were (and are) a threat to the power structure of the day. They aren’t a threat because they grasp for power. They are a threat because they won’t play by the rules. They love people that nobody is supposed to love. They forgive people when they should be seeking revenge. When they have power, they don’t use it to gain advantage. Their priorities are different. At least that’s how it started.
The introduction of God’s spirit in the world was evident in the life and death of Stephen. Jesus must have looked on with approval, not of the brutal stoning, but of the powerful evidence that His Spirit was alive and active in the world. There were other noteworthy witnesses to this stoning. Saul, a respected religious leader and persecutor of Jesus’ followers, watched Stephen die. Saul was later converted and became Paul the Apostle. And thanks to Luke’s account in the Book of Acts, we are witnesses too. So what will we do with that? Do we cover our ears and scream or do we accept the torch?
Steve Radford was born in Virginia and currently resides in North Texas. He writes mostly about personal experiences that have shaped his view of the world.
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» left by Judi Lake(2,669) Judi Lake (1 year 173 days ago.)
"... Jesus’ took away our sins, Stephen took away our excuses...." -- so very powerfully put! I realize you haven't been edited yet, Steve, but what a beautiful and sobering article. Thank you so much for sharing something everyone needs a reminder on! Respond to this comment
» left by Steve Radford(806) Steve Radford (1 year 172 days ago.)
Thanks Judi. The Acts account of Stephen's role in the early church and the way he died has always challenged me. Thanks for reading and for the nice comments. Respond to this comment
» left by David Tanguay (1 year 141 days ago.)
I never heard this story of Steven however the role he played way back then is still occurring in our own society. Only today we are to sophisticated to throw stones we use several other means to dispose of his followers. Respond to this comment
» left by Steve Radford(806) Steve Radford (1 year 140 days ago.)
David, Thanks for reading. In the Middle East, they still use stoning as a method of execution for adulterers and blasphemers. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 141 days ago.)
Well written and engaging. Thank you. Respond to this comment
» left by Susan Thom(9,014) Susan Thom (1 year 141 days ago.)
hi steve,
i never heard the story about steven either. this was a very well written aricle, that kept my attention. thank you,
best regards,
sue thom Respond to this comment
» left by Steve Radford(806) Steve Radford (1 year 140 days ago.)
Susan,
Thanks for taking time to read and comment. If you would like to read the story of Stephen in context, it starts in Acts Chapter 6. The speech that got him in trouble is in Chapter 7 along with the account of his execution. If you don't have a Bible handy, Biblegateway.com is a free site with lookup capability. Respond to this comment
» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr.(6,499) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (1 year 141 days ago.)
Yes Steve an excellent article and the foundation for all believers. The fact that Jesus was God made flesh and was a man and suffered an even more cruel death for no sin at all reminds us as we think of Him and of our fleshly ways. This is effect the battle for all mankind to overcome their flesh. Your article just points out what Stephen accomplished as is the goal of all true believers. For some it takes many trials others but a few. In the end all those who were humble, meek and were what they professed met the same end. It amazes me how simple a lesson always has to be revisted for us all. Good job! Respond to this comment
» left by Avis Ward(13,445) Avis Ward (1 year 140 days ago.)
Steve, you told an amazing story in an engaging way. Because he was not one of the 12 Disciples, many people did not know of him. Those reading your article will never forget him. If you're not a Sunday School or Bible Study Teacher, I strongly feel you should be. As you so eloquently said, Jesus became flesh. You make the Gospel come alive with your eloquent writing style and divine inspiration. It blesses me and many others, I'm sure. Thank you, Steve. Respond to this comment
» left by April Lorier (1 year 85 days ago.)
Wow! I can hardly believe so many have said they never heard the story of Stephen! What is even more astounding is that Saul (later called Paul) stood and watched it, participated in it, and God did NOT discard Saul! He did, in fact, devise a Divine Appointment with Saul on the road to Damascus. And now we have roughly 2/3 of our New Testament written by this very man who not only helped in the murder of Stephen, but relished it! NOW THAT'S GRACE!!! Respond to this comment
» left by Steve Radford(806) Steve Radford (1 year 84 days ago.)
You're so right April. Supernatural, amazing grace. Thanks for reading and commenting. Respond to this comment
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