May 29, 2014 John 18:19–22 (ESV) The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Striking the Creator Think about verse 22: one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand. Those who abused Jesus that night, beginning with this Temple officer, physically slapped, whipped, and kicked (and who knows what else) the Creator of the universe. It is difficult to imagine both that a human would have the sheer audacity to do such a thing, and that the Creator would stand there and take it. There are times when if someone merely looks at me the wrong way, I am ready to defend myself. We all realize what Jesus could have done, but how often do we think about why he didnt respond? Jesus put the mission the Father had given him of going to the cross for these very sinners above all else. As Christians we have to be ready to defend ourselves, but not in the way our fallen natures would direct us to.I Peter 3:15 says that we are always to be ready to give a defense of the gospel, but that we should deliver that defense with gentleness and reverence. The defense Jesus gives and that Peter later writes about is defending the gospel of Gods grace not defending our pride and sense of self worth. Fulfilling the Fathers mission to the cross was Jesus first and last purpose; defending himself was not important to him. Whenever we are tempted to defend ourselves out of a sense of pride or a perceived lack of fairness where our own treatment is considered, let us first think of Jesus and his commitment to do the Fathers will above his own self defense and fair treatment. Then let us defend the gospel as God intends for us as our mission.
Posted on: Thu, 29 May 2014 12:00:37 +0000
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