Examining Sonya Massey’s Final Words: What Does ‘I Rebuke You in the Name of Jesus’ Actually Mean?

The Rev. Al Sharpton speaks alongside family members of Sonya Massey during a press conference at New Mount Pilgrim Church on July 30, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. | Source: Scott Olson / Getty

“Rebuke” (verb); to express sharp disapproval or criticism of something or someone because of their behavior or actions.

When Sonya Massey stared down the barrel of a gun and the officer that used it to take her life, she declared, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” It was an authoritative cry against the injustice she, and unfortunately countless others, have faced.

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On July 6, Massey called the police after suspecting a possible robber at her Springfield, Illinois home. The shooting reportedly stemmed from “a dispute” between Massey and Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson, “over a pot of steaming water in the victim’s home.”

From NBC News:

According to an Illinois State Police summary of the shooting, deputies found a car at Massey’s home that appeared to have been broken into. After they knocked on her door, the deputies found her “distraught and not thinking clearly” and entered her home, the summary says.

The exchange over the pot came after Grayson motioned to a container, which was on the stove in Massey’s kitchen, according to the summary. Massey turned off the burner, picked up the pot, carried it to the sink and turned on the faucet, the summary says.

Grayson was roughly 10 feet from Massey, who asked the deputies what they were doing.

“Get away from your hot, steaming water,” Grayson responded, according to the summary.

“I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” Massey said twice, the summary says.

Grayson responded, “I swear to God. I will shoot you right in your f—— face,” according to the summary.

The report says Grayson responded by aiming his gun at Massey, who picked up the pot of water and threw it on furniture — not at Grayson. That’s when Grayson shot at Massey three times, hitting her once in the face.

Intentional or not, the 36-year old mother’s last words verbalized 400 years of frustration African Americans have felt while enduring injustice in this country.

What does ‘I Rebuke You in the Name of Jesus’ mean?

The Bible is teeming with scenarios where verbal rebukes were issued. For example, in Zechariah 3 when God rebuked Satan after he presented accusations against the priest, Joshua. Also, in 2 Samuel 12 when Nathan rebuked King David for his adultery with Bathsheba. Or in Jeremiah 2 when the prophet rebuked Israel for turning their back on God to worship idols.

In the New Testament, Jesus rebuked demons who’d taken residence in people’s bodies and they were cast out, as in Matthew 17. The raging wind and waves became completely calm after his rebuke in Mark 4. In Luke 4, He rebuked sickness and healing came immediately. The book of John records Him empowering His disciples’ power to do the same.

When you “rebuke” someone or something, you are exercising rightful authority to bring correction. When you rebuke said thing “in the name of Jesus,” you are invoking the authority that is in His name to do so. It works the same as when a king signs a decree and his messengers work to put it into action. They make a declaration like, “By authority of the king, xyz law is now established.” Once it’s declared, it is the final say.

Today, we #SayHerName and “rebuke in the name of Jesus” the work that perpetuates death and despair in our community.

SEE ALSO:

Justice For Sonya Massey GoFundMe Account Launched By Victim’s Father, Uncle

Sonya Massey’s Baby Cousin Terrell Is The 4-Year-Old Black Boy Killed By Illinois Cops In March

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