Seeing Jesus in the Midst of Resistance

May 3

Introduction

We often revisit the stories of the Bible over and over, yet sometimes they land with a fresh clarity that calls us to change. This past Sunday, we looked at the life of Stephen in Acts 7, seeing how an "everyday minister" can find the courage to stand firm even when facing intense opposition. By fixing our gaze on Jesus, we learn that faithfulness isn't about our own strength, but about seeing God's story rightly in our daily lives.

Scripture

"You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it. When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, 'Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!'" — Acts 7:51–56 (NKJV)

What This Teaches Us

This passage reveals that God is the faithful initiator who has been revealing Himself throughout history, from Abraham to Moses to Jesus. Even when people resist His advances, God continues to work His purposes, often in ways that disrupt our expectations. He isn't looking for religious experts who use knowledge to hide from Him, but for those who are willing to be filled with the Holy Spirit and see His grace at work even in the midst of struggle.

It also exposes a common human struggle: the tendency to choose comfort and control over obedience. The religious leaders had all the right information, but they missed the "story" because they refused to see it rightly. This matters because when we fix our gaze on Jesus rather than our circumstances, we find the strength to reflect His character—even offering forgiveness in the face of deep pain.

Key Takeaways

Everyday ministers are called to stand firm. Stephen wasn’t an apostle; he was a regular person chosen to serve, yet he became a powerful witness for Christ. Real faithfulness is built in the quiet, daily walk with God long before the "storms" or trials of life arrive.
Information is not the same as transformation. The religious leaders spent their lives searching for God in the scriptures, yet they resisted Him when He stood right before them. We must move beyond just knowing facts about the Bible to having a heart that is receptive and supple to the Spirit's work.
Our focus determines our endurance. In the middle of chaos and threat, Stephen did not fix his eyes on the angry crowd or the stones, but on heaven. When we prioritize seeing Jesus' authority and presence, the pressures of the world lose their power to move us.
God is working even in the worst moments. While Stephen was being stoned, a young man named Saul was standing by, witnessing a life that looked exactly like Jesus. What seemed like a moment of defeat was actually God accomplishing a purpose that would eventually reach the whole world.

Application: Living It Out Today

This week, let’s choose to stand tall by keeping our eyes fixed on Christ rather than our obstacles:

Notice God at Work: When you feel a moment of internal or external pressure this week, pause and ask: "Am I looking at the problem, or am I looking for Jesus in this moment?".
A Relational Action: Think of someone who has been a source of opposition or difficulty for you. Take a small step to pray for them specifically, asking God for the heart of forgiveness that Stephen showed.
One Small Step: Identify one area where you’ve been "playing it safe" with your faith. Take a simple step of bold obedience, trusting that God’s presence is with you in the waiting.

Reflection Question

Am I seeking God merely to change my circumstances, or am I seeking the face of Jesus so that I can remain faithful within them?.

Invitation

We would love for you to join our family as we learn to stand firm in the promises of God.

Watch the full sermon on YouTube to explore the depth of Stephen’s bold witness.
Join us in person next Sunday at Highland Hills as we continue our journey together.

Rachel Ferrell

Rachel Ferrell runs a real estate business in Southern Middle Tennessee, rooted in Tullahoma. She didn’t grow up here. She chose it. That matters, because she understands what it’s like to build a life, a network, and a sense of home from scratch.

She works with buyers and sellers locally, and she also trains real estate agents across the country on how to communicate clearly and use content to build real relationships. As a StoryBrand Guide and KWU Certified Trainer, she helps agents stop sounding like marketers and start sounding like humans.