BALANCED
TEXT: 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?” Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike Me?” (John 18.19-23)
It amazes me how balanced Jesus’ responses are in court. The high priest is openly breaking the law by questioning the prisoner rather than calling witnesses. Jesus knows this is illegal, and He calls him on it. He does the same with the officer who hits Him. Jesus doesn’t start throwing lightning
bolts. Nor does He say nothing at all and allow both people to wade deeper and deeper into sin without warning. He says just what needs saying and then stops.
This comforts me because it tells me that Jesus will treat me the same way, too. When He needs to warn me against sin, He will. He won’t overdo it and terrify me, but He won’t ignore my situation, either. And when He truly needs to pull out all the stops and do everything in His power to save me, He’ll do that. Because that’s what He did for all of us, when He suffered, died, and rose again-to save us from evil and give us life.
WE PRAY: Lord, let me listen to You with all my heart. Amen.
——————— Reflection Questions
• Do you find it easy to keep your cool under stress?
• How would you describe Jesus when it comes to His temper?
• Tell about a time when God protected you by warning you.
Responses