Yesterday, we talked about how love is anti-fragile, and today, as we continue our discussion about anti-fragility, I want to look at Jesus and the early church. 

Jesus Christ is the epitome of what it means to be anti-fragile. When others cursed Him and lied about Him, more people followed Him. When they said He was sent by demons, more people talked about Him. The more popular He got, the more jealous they became, until they ultimately crucified Him; but little did they know that’s the worst thing they could have done! Why? Because it was through His death and resurrection that new life poured into the universe! In that moment, everything changed and time was snapped in half like a twig. History suddenly had two distinct eras, and because the veil was torn, mankind had a renewed hope and sin lost its grip on us. The cross is the ultimate symbol of anti-fragility and the most abundant life sprang forth from it. Since Jesus was obedient to the point of death, He provided us with the greatest gift we could have received — the ability to be resilient, unmovable, and anti-fragile in this world and completely free in the next!

Interestingly, the early church, on fire from their recent encounters with Jesus, inherited His anti-fragile heart. From its inception, it was persecuted and beaten down, but the Gospel spread just like Greek fire! In the first and second centuries, when the Roman empire enslaved Christians and shipped them around Europe, it simply led to greater propagation of the Good News. This is precisely why Tertullian said, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” When you persecute God’s people, their influence only expands, because anything that has Jesus within simply cannot be killed or destroyed!

Friend, this is you. When you are tempted to buckle under the weight of your circumstances, look to Jesus and remember the victory that was won on your behalf! Since nothing can separate you from His undying, unending love, you can bounce back stronger and more powerful whenever the enemy tries to knock you down. You are clothed in Christ, so anti-fragility is a blessed part of your Heavenly wardrobe; I encourage you to wear it well!