A Violent and Forceful Pursuit
Reverend J. Loren Russell
Matthew 11:12 (NKJV)
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”
When we think about the Kingdom of Heaven, we rarely associate it with words like violence or force. We picture humble believers entering God’s presence with joy and peace. Yet Jesus makes this startling statement concerning the Kingdom. What did He mean?
Jesus was not encouraging physical violence or aggression. Rather, He was describing the intense, wholehearted determination of those who truly desired Him. Beginning with the ministry of John the Baptist, people were responding to God’s Kingdom with an urgency unlike anything Israel had witnessed. They pressed through obstacles, ignored criticism, overcame fear, and refused to be denied access to Christ. Their pursuit was relentless.
Unlike many modern churchgoers who are satisfied with hearing a good sermon yet remain unchanged, those who encountered Jesus desperately wanted Him more than comfort, convenience, or public opinion.
Consider the woman who suffered from an issue of blood for twelve years. She forced her way through a crowd because she believed that one touch of His garment would change her life.
Think about the four men who climbed onto a roof, tore it open, and lowered their paralyzed friend into the presence of Jesus. Nothing—not a packed house nor a closed door—would stop them.
Remember Zacchaeus, who ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a sycamore tree simply for the chance to see Jesus.
Recall the desperate father whose demon-possessed son could not be healed by the disciples. Refusing to give up, he pressed his way to Jesus Himself, believing that Christ could do what no one else could.
Each of these people demonstrated a holy persistence—a determined faith that refused to quit until it reached the Savior.
“I have gone into churches and seen dead men in the pulpit, dead men as deacons, dead men holding the offering plate, and dead men sitting to hear the Word of God.”
— Charles H. Spurgeon
Sadly, there are still churches filled with people who attend faithfully but pursue Christ casually.
But that was not the atmosphere surrounding Jesus.
Spurgeon also observed:
“So intense was their desire to hear the Saviour that they pressed upon Him… They trod one upon another.”
What a picture!
Jesus saw men and women pressing, pushing, reaching, and striving—not because they loved excitement, but because they knew He alone possessed eternal life. That is the kind of spiritual intensity that marks genuine faith.
The Kingdom of God is not entered by the indifferent, the complacent, or the half-hearted. It belongs to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, who seek first the Kingdom of God, who refuse to allow obstacles, disappointments, or distractions to keep them from Christ.
Today, the question is not whether we attend church. The questions needing to be asked are: How desperately do we want Jesus? Will we press through disappointment? Will we push past distractions? Will we overcome pride, fear, and convenience? Will we pursue Christ with unwavering determination? Those who ask these questions will discover what Jesus meant…, the Kingdom belongs to those who seek Him with all their heart.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the clergy officiant of the Evangelical Church of God, all in the Bronx. He is President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096), and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00–10:00 PM on Facebook Live.
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