HOW DO WE RESPOND FROM TRAGIC EVENTS LIKE THE CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION?
I was sitting in my hotel room in Vlore, Albania, on Wednesday, September 10, relaxing after a productive day of ministry when I saw the news of Charlie Kirk's death come across the television in the room. It immediately felt like one of those momentous moments where you'll always remember where you were when you heard it. There was disbelief, shock, sadness for Charlie and for his family, and sadness for the loss of a Christian brother and highly effective communicator of the gospel.
What can we learn from the life of Jesus as He experienced this kind of tragedy?
As I begin to reflect in a deeper way over what had happened, and the effect it was having on the world, I found myself rereading Matthew 14:1-34 where Jesus himself gets confronted with the news of John the Baptist's unfortunate and untimely death. In short, John the Baptist was no ordinary person. He was Jesus' second cousin and one who baptized Jesus. He was a friend. He was a ministry co-laborer. He was also the forerunner to Jesus' ministry and one of the most important prophetic voices not only of his generation, but for all time. This had to hit close to home and be devastating.
In Matthew 14 we see John the Baptist in prison for speaking the truth to those in authority, namely Herod who had been having sexual relations with his brother Philip's wife Herodias. Herod wanted to kill John for his bold witness and declaration. Scripture goes on to tell us what happened next:
On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. Matthew 14:6-12
Painful. Tragic. Confusing. Sad. It was all of these things for Jesus and his disciples, just as Charlie Kirk's death was painful, tragic, confusing, and sad for us. So, what can we learn from Jesus as he navigated this difficult moment:
1.JESUS TOOK TIME TO GRIEVE. Verse 13 tells us, "When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place." I believe Jesus needed time to grieve and process the loss. Loss of any kind is never easy. Unfortunately, our tendency, if we're not careful, is to just brush over tragedy and continue to press on as good soldiers. The Bible, however, validates and normalizes grief, showing that God is near to the brokenhearted and provides comfort and strength through grief. Matthew 5:4 reminds us, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" while Psalm 34:18 states, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted".
2. JESUS DIDN'T DERAIL, HE DEPLOYED. It's interesting to me that in his time of considerable need and grief he looked for a solitary place but found broken, needy people around him. The world didn't stop, it still needed hope and healing!
"Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick." Matthew 14:13-14
It would have been easy for Jesus to dismiss them. Instead he served them, cared for them, healed them, and fed them. What a powerful witness to us. Jesus didn't shut out those around him; he sacrificed for them and served them. So much so that the last two verses of the chapter gives us this incredible picture, "And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed." Matthew 14:35-36
3. JESUS CHANGED THE ATMOSPHERE AROUND HIM. When the disciples were overwhelmed, he modeled and brought peace. When the disciples were fearful on the boat because of the waves and winds he modeled and spoke faith and courage. When people were lost and confused, he brought certainty and clarity. Right now our world and country are more divided and confused than ever before. Let's be like Jesus and make a difference in those around us by leading with sacrifice, courage, service, and strength.
THE WORLD IS WATCHING AND WAITING! LET'S BE CHRIST'S EXAMPLES TO THOSE AROUND US!