John 18:22:24

Scripture John 18:22:24

When he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?" Annas then sent him bound to Ca'iaphas the high priest.

Comments

For the first time in the Gospels Jesus is physically struck by someone. It’s more mockery than violence – literally ‘a slap in the face’.

Keep in mind that when the soldiers and guards arrested Jesus, they ‘bound Him’. So here is Jesus with His hands tied, and a temple guard hits Him in the face.

Despite this indignity, Jesus maintains His dignity. Instead of reacting, He responds. He speaks out, not with insult for insult, but with honest forthrightness.

Jesus is a courageous man. And John wants us to know that.

Picture the scene. Imagine Jesus’ tone of voice. It’s not and angry shout. It’s steady, honest. Jesus simply asks a legitimate question.

We use the phrase “the imitation of Christ” and we set that as a goal. It’s probably furthest from out mind when someone deliberately treats us badly.

True?
Well, think about it.


Spend some quiet time with the Lord

Source: The Little Black Book – Bishop Ken Untener
Reflection is for Monday – Second Week of Lent (2008)