John 5:16-23 (Amplified Bible) 16For this reason the Jews began to persecute (annoy, torment) Jesus and sought to kill Him, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath.     17But Jesus answered them, My Father has worked [even] until now, [He has never ceased working; He is still working] and I, too, must be at [divine] work.     18This made the Jews more determined than ever to kill Him [to do away with Him]; because He not only was breaking (weakening, violating) the Sabbath, but He actually was speaking of God as being [in a special sense] His own Father, making Himself equal [putting Himself on a level] with God.     19So Jesus answered them by saying, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord); but He is able to do only what He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does is what the Son does in the same way [in His turn].     20The Father dearly loves the Son and discloses to (shows) Him everything that He Himself does. And He will disclose to Him (let Him see) greater things yet than these, so that you may marvel and be full of wonder and astonishment.     21Just as the Father raises up the dead and gives them life [makes them live on], even so the Son also gives life to whomever He wills and is pleased to give it.     22Even the Father judges no one, for He has given all judgment (the last judgment and the whole business of judging) entirely into the hands of the Son,     23So that all men may give honor (reverence, homage) to the Son just as they give honor to the Father. [In fact] whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, Who has sent Him. The Jews – the religious leaders, the Pharisees – went about their work of doing evil.  And Jesus continued to do the Will of God.  As I was reading this passage, I thought with shame of the many times that I have let the actions of ungodly people immobilize, paralyze, and embitter me. What should be our response to the persecution, annoyance, tormenting of ungodly people (sometimes found within our churches)?  Look to the Example!  Jesus didn’t let their actions interfere with His actions.  He continued to follow God and do the Father’s Will. This reminds me of another Scripture penned by the Apostle Paul under the direction of the Holy Spirit: 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 (Amplified Bible) 7However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.     8We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair;     9We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed;     10Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies. How about it, Child of God?  Are you going to let a little persecution, a little oppression, a little difficulty stop you from continuing in the Will of God?  Of Course Not! **Lord Jesus, I say with the Apostle Paul, I might be struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed.  Thank You that You walk with me every step of the way.  Amen.