Former President Donald Trump came under fire for sharing a Bible verse from his supporters that drew parallels between his ongoing legal battle and the persecution of Jesus Christ.
“I received it this morning. It’s so nice, thank you!” President Trump said on Truth Social while sharing comments he received from supporters.
“It’s ironic that Christ experienced his greatest persecution in the very week they were trying to steal your property. But have you seen this verse…?” That quote points to Psalm 109:3-8:
Psalm 109, David’s psalm, is a cry for help to God that begins:
O God of my praise, do not be silent! For an evil and deceitful mouth has been opened against me, and a lying tongue speaks against me. They surround me with hateful words and attack me for no reason. In return for my love, I dedicate myself to prayer, although they condemn me. So they reward evil for good, and hatred for my love.
In verses 26-31, David asks the Lord for help and appeals to Yahweh’s abiding love. This is a common theme throughout the Bible. It ends with giving thanks and praising the Lord “in the midst of the crowd.”
Help me, Lord, my God! Save me according to your abiding love! Let them know this is your hand. Lord, you made it! They may curse you, but you will bless them! They will rise up and be put to shame, but your servant will rejoice! May my accusers be brought to shame. May they be wrapped in their own shame as they are wrapped in a cloak! My mouth gives great thanks to the Lord. I will praise him in the crowd. For he stands at the right hand of the poor man and saves him from those who condemn his soul to death.
Referring specifically to verses 3 through 8, Trump supporters added: Many people are praying for you. Thank you again for taking the arrow for us. we love you. “
But the post drew criticism, with some accusing Trump of comparing his plight to that of Jesus during Holy Week.
President Trump is again comparing himself to Christ, while his ignorant zombie worshipers nod and smile. This is a dangerous blasphemy. pic.twitter.com/URdaCA1Oln
— Warren (@swd2) March 25, 2024
BREAKING NEWS: As the astronomical $500 million bond issue deadline approaches, Donald Trump quotes Psalm 109:3-8 that he received from someone, invoking the persecution of Jesus Christ.
He wrote, “I received it this morning, it’s so nice, thank you!
“It is ironic that Christ walked in him… pic.twitter.com/V9m9NghNVR
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) March 25, 2024
This creepy guy just compared himself to Jesus Christ.
There’s no bottom. pic.twitter.com/lEIYF1ml6p
— Republicans Against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) March 25, 2024
President Trump posted a message comparing himself to Jesus Christ while his wife was at home in court for allegedly punching a porn star. pic.twitter.com/v0tx7ZqrGp
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) March 25, 2024
No big deal, just Trump and his followers comparing him to Christ during Holy Week. pic.twitter.com/iZLdYmtYdb
— Aluminum Foil Buddy (@tinfoilbaddie) March 25, 2024
NEW: Donald Trump shared a message he received during Passion Week comparing himself to Christ.
Talk about something sacred. pic.twitter.com/Rxd6hcvRbl
— Cryptid Politics (pro-DeSantis) 🇺🇸🐊 (@CryptidPolitics) March 25, 2024
Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice were truly unique as the final price necessary to reconcile humanity, created in God’s image, with God.
Trump himself made no comparisons, calling his supporters’ notes “beautiful.” That being said, it’s worth noting that Jesus told his disciples, “And you will be hated by everyone for my name’s sake,” and he said to them, “You will be hated by everyone for my name’s sake,” He warned his disciples not to be surprised when faced with this.
Jesus tells His followers in John 15, “If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you.”
The Bible continues:
If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. But you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, so the world hates you. Remember what I said to you. “I am not better than my master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too. If they kept my promise, they will keep yours too.
So while Trump has received backlash for sharing this post, the comparison seems to point not to the scripture itself, but to the commentary Trump shared by his supporters. Regardless of the controversy, there is precedent in the Bible that sets the pattern for doing the right thing and expecting backlash.
