I was at a stop light. I looked over to my right and I observed a man in his car still wearing his safety vest from work. Then? He lifted a can of Bush Light beer and proceeded to drink.
This man looked safe. At least for a couple seconds. The TRUTH about that man was revealed quickly. THAT MAN IS NOT SAFE. Drinking and driving IS NOT SAFE. His appearance gives the “perception” that he is safe. In reality, HE IS A THREAT TO EVERYONE.
In this case, I drove on and I laughed at the man’s ridiculousness and chose to leave the situation alone. The man’s impact on my immediate safety was minimal. However, had this man caused harm to me or those I love, you can be very sure, I will defend.
When I think about Jesus and how he responded to threats, my first thought? Jesus was silent. He chose silence because His mission was not to prove Pilate wrong. His mission was the Cross.
They falsely accused Him, yet He remained silent.
They twisted His words, yet He remained silent.
They insulted Him, yet He remained silent.
They lied about Him, yet He remained silent.
They mocked Him, yet He remained silent.
They beat Him, yet He remained silent.
He didn’t defend His innocence, instead he prayed for His attackers.
Jesus chose redemption over revenge.
HOWEVER, Jesus, did defend himself!
Jesus used logic and truth to expose their lies.
Jesus challenged abuse of power.
Jesus did not allow His message to be twisted.
Jesus defends when people are being harmed.
HE DEFENDS:
- The woman caught in adultery
- Children
- The poor
- The sick
- The oppressed
Jesus did not defend His own ego. He defends LOVE, TRUTH, and OPPRESSION.
Why it Matters?
John 10:11 NIV
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
JESUS DOES NOT FIGHT TO SAVE HIS LIFE, BUT HE DOES FIGHT TO SAVE YOURS.