JESUS, OUR EXAMPLE
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.
1 John 2:5-6 (NIV)
The chief priests wanted Him dead. This Jesus. The Son of God. The Messiah. They did not want Him to cause any more disruptions or lead people away from the Jewish faith. They had Jesus arrested and taken to Pontius Pilate to be tried and crucified. What a horrible injustice.
There have been many times in my life when I have felt wronged and was faced with the choice of how to react. Frustration, anger and hate are emotions that want to surface first if something unjust happens. As a follower of Jesus, I know how I am supposed to react, and thankfully, we have the perfect example of how to respond when the worst happens to us.
Jesus was beaten and humiliated, forced to wear a crown of thorns and a purple robe. The Roman soldiers were mocking Him as the King of the Jews. He suffered immense pain and suffering during this event, yet He did nothing. Jesus could've called down an army of angels, but His path was set, and He knew it must be so. We should see this example of how Jesus reacted and do the same. God is in control, and we must leave these in His hands. It is difficult to do that because the struggle is real and challenging. Even as Jesus endured the pain and torture, the chief priests and temple guards continued to cry crucify. When you choose not to react, your refusal might cause more anger and frustration in those who have harmed you. Keep your eyes on Jesus and remember how He acted in these moments.
APPLICATION: Pray for those who wrong you. Ask God to change their hearts. Examine your heart and ask God to remove any hatred or anger you’ve harbored.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the example of Your Son Jesus. He came to earth to show us how to live and what we should do when faced with adversity. I thank You for the ability to come to You for strength and guidance when I am wronged. Give me peace and strength for the challenges ahead. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?