Extreme Devotion – Day 292: Extreme Politeness

Podcast: Voice of The Martyrs
Date: October 19, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode explores the concept of "extreme politeness" through the life and testimony of Peter, a Russian Christian who, influenced by the gentle approach of Christ, became a bold disciple and disciple-maker under severe persecution.

Episode Overview

• The episode reflects on how Jesus' respectful, polite approach inspired a radical transformation in Peter, a believer living under Soviet oppression.
• It examines the process by which Peter grew from being a new Christian to a leader in Russia’s underground church, risking everything to share his faith.
• The story is anchored in the scriptural principle of spiritual growth and the call to become both disciples and disciple-makers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Politeness of Jesus (00:00–01:20)

• The story of Jesus on the road to Emmaus is used to illustrate divine politeness.

  "When they arrived at their town, Jesus acted as if he had to go further. Why didn't he want to stay and continue the conversation? To Peter, a Russian believer, Jesus' actions showed politeness. He didn't want to stay unless he was truly wanted."

• This stands in stark contrast with the brutality Peter witnessed under communist rule, where authorities barged in uninvited.

2. Peter’s Encounter with the “Gentle Jesus” (01:21–02:00)

• Amidst oppression, Peter heard from a Christian about a savior who “knocked gently at his heart, waiting to be allowed in.”

  "Peter was impressed with this gentle Jesus and willingly opened the door. Jesus became Peter's savior and Lord."

• Peter’s conversion is portrayed as a transformative, voluntary act—prompted by Christ’s respectful invitation.

3. Growth Through Discipleship and Bold Witness (02:01–03:20)

• Peter’s journey didn’t end at conversion; he was mentored in the underground church.

  "Here, he learned from the example of others. Growing Christians showed him how to develop his witness and exercise his faith."

• Peter soon became deeply involved, making "countless trips smuggling Christian literature into Russia."
• Hints at the chain reaction of discipleship: from disciple to disciple-maker, Peter was "bringing others to Christ."

4. The Cost – Arrest and Uncertain Fate (03:21–03:40)

• Peter’s boldness for Christ eventually led to his arrest and disappearance.

  "Finally, he was arrested and imprisoned. No one knows what happened to him."

5. Discipleship as Multiplication (03:41–04:20)

• Includes a notable quote from Romanian pastor Richard Wurmbrand:

  "We should never stop at having won a soul for Christ. By this, we have done only half the work. Every soul won for Christ must be made to be a soul winner." (03:50)

• This encapsulates the episode’s challenge: not only to be faithful disciples but to actively disciple others.

6. Challenge to Listeners (04:21–End)

• The episode closes by questioning the listener:

  "Is your growing faith an example to others? God calls you to be a disciple as well as a disciple maker."

• Echoes the episode’s initial theme of spiritual growth and multiplying one's faith through example.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jesus’ approach:

  “Jesus... showed politeness. He didn’t want to stay unless he was truly wanted.” (00:40, Narration)

• Peter’s conversion:

  “Peter was impressed with this gentle Jesus and willingly opened the door.” (01:36, Narration)

• On discipleship:

  “Just as someone showed Peter how to become a Christian, someone showed him how to grow in his faith.” (03:55, Narration)

• Wurmbrand’s charge:

  “We should never stop at having won a soul for Christ... Every soul won for Christ must be made to be a soul winner.” (03:50, Richard Wurmbrand)

Segment Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction; Theme of Jesus’ “extreme politeness”
• 00:40 – Contrast with Communist oppression
• 01:21 – Peter hears about the gentle Christ; conversion
• 02:01 – Growth in the underground church; learning by example
• 02:40 – Peter becomes a disciple-maker; risks and bold actions
• 03:21 – Arrest and uncertain fate
• 03:41 – Richard Wurmbrand’s quote on discipleship
• 04:21 – Personal challenge to listeners

Final Reflections

• Tone: Reflective, challenging, and encouraging. The story is told with deep respect for Peter’s journey and an underlying urgency to pass on faith.
• Key Message: Christ’s gentle invitation compels not just personal transformation but a life dedicated to making disciples—raising up new witnesses who themselves multiply the faith, even under intense persecution.

This episode is a poignant reminder that true spiritual growth involves both receiving Christ’s love and extending it boldly to others, regardless of the cost.