There were powerful groups in Israel during Jesus’ time: the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the scribes, the lawyers, etc. Another group was the Herodians. They wanted Israel to serve the Romans to secure peace. They were status quo leaders. The Herodians, therefore, had opposing deep convictions to those of the Pharisees, who hated their Roman oppressors. In the political world, they were archenemies.

However, when it came to dealing with Jesus, the old adage came true. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. After Jesus publicly embarrassed the Pharisees twice about their beliefs concerning the Sabbath, they did this.

“The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.” - Mark 3:6, ESV.

We are told in Revelation that the entire world will line up to go to war against Jesus when He returns: the WHOLE world! Is that even possible? It sure is. Mix together the mandate of a world-dominating leader that is feared greatly and has everyone snowed, worldwide demon deception, a decreased conviction of the Holy Spirit, and a common deep-seated, nobody-is-ever-changing-my-mind hatred for God, and the enemies of God will gladly line up against His Son despite their hatred for each other.

We saw this kind of evil unity against Jesus when He came the first time, and we will see it again when He returns. Why would we expect, as representatives of Jesus, our situation between those two events to be any different? The lost world is anti-God. They may not be vocal about it, but when pressed to choose between God’s socvereignty of their free will, they will oppose God. So, when Jesus told us, “Because you are of me, they will hate you,” He knew what He was talking about. Don’t be surprised if, during a public expression of devotion to Jesus, they team up on you to make you stop.

The lost world lacks the ability to see the danger in “the enemy of my enemy is my friend" kind of unions. They would agree that it would not have been best for the Jews to bow to the Romans like the Herodians wanted. The Romans despised the Jews. But unbelievers should see that it is certainly best to bow to God, who has their best interests in mind. However, until the world does see it that way, they may smile and be cordial, but they are not your BFF’s. Taking a stand for faith requires the breastplate of righteousness, but also a shield of faith for your back. -Pastor Mike

BTW, I was watching a Latino magician on TV. He said he would disappear on the count of 3. He started counting "uno, dos..." and poof. He disappeared without a tres.