John 18:19-23
The high priest questioned Jesus
about his followers and his teaching. But Jesus told him, “I have spoken
freely in front of everyone. And I have always taught in our meeting
places and in the temple, where all of our people come together. I have
not said anything in secret. Why are you questioning me? Why don’t you
ask the people who heard me? They know what I have said.”
As soon as Jesus said this, one of the temple police hit him and said, “That’s no way to talk to the high priest!”
Jesus answered, “If I have done something wrong, say so. But if not, why did you hit me?”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our
daily news is filled with reports of people saying or doing shocking -
and sometimes abhorrent things. We read and hear accounts of everything
from name calling and degradation of others…to heinous acts of
cruelty…to public protests of this issue or that one, and much more.
Sometimes, we are shocked by these words and actions…but quite often,
these behaviors come as no surprise, given the reputation of the people
involved.
I am not condoning these exploits and comments. But we
have come to expect a certain level of behavior – or misbehavior – from
quite a few folks. By the same token…we know people of integrity who
consistently offer truth, grace, mercy, kindness, and wisdom in their
daily living. As the old saying goes…”It takes all kinds.”
Even a
person of utmost character and uprightness will have his/her
detractors. Jesus certainly said or did nothing to deserve to be
slapped around, spit upon, beaten to a pulp and crucified. He didn’t
say or do anything different to merit such cruelty from the high priests
after His arrest. His message was consistent…His actions were
unwavering. Yet Jesus was persecuted. And on our best day as Christian
disciples, you and I will be subject to criticism and unfair assessment,
as well.
OUR JOB is to remain steady in our faith and witness…to
develop a reputation for upright character and fairness – and to do
everything we can to never falter. There will be those who want to trip
us up…or judge us without merit. There will even be people who say
unkind things about us – and maybe spread malicious (and untrue) rumors
about us to disparage our character. They will look for the least
little thing to jump on and “slap us around.” So we must bring our
“A-game” at all times!
What sort of reputation do you have with
others? Are you “one of those” from whom ugly, disrespectful comments
and actions or outbursts are expected? Do you give others reason to
question your discipleship and loyalty to Christ? Or are you known as
someone who is consistent in his/her faithfulness and witness? Are you
able to rise above criticism and disparagement from those who might try
to denigrate your efforts to share the Good News of Jesus…and continue
to serve Him with dignity and honor? And are you careful not to criticize or judge others?
What
is your level of commitment to serving Jesus – and to serving others in
His name? When someone “slaps you around,” how do you react? Let
Christ’s example be your model. Honor your commitment to Him by always
going the extra mile…even when the devil puts obstacles and distractions
in your path. This will probably happen at some point…will you be ready
to handle it?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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