(Mark 15) To be falsely accused is one of the most difficult things I have ever faced. Everything that is within wants to make known the truth so that each one who sits in judgment will know that I am justified. Many times frustration and anger follow closely behind because there is no reasoning with my accusers but here we see Jesus being accused likewise and his response… (verse 5) “But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate’s surprise.” What gives people the right to judge, is it because they think they know the reasons why, they hear one side and think they can see the whole picture, how foolish! We see the crowds pushed and prodded by their own evil desires and by the priests and religious teachers. For Jesus’ earthly judge, Pilate knew the truth (verse 10) “For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.” and because of that he was confounded by the people’s persistence but was powerless to do anything about it.
The priests could not cause Jesus to conform to their way of thinking. They knew Jesus was right but instead of considering His words and actions and how they might apply it to their lives they plotted to bring him down to their level and when they couldn’t do that they intended to destroy and kill Him. Something about Jesus got under their skin, they could neither walk away nor ignore Him; no they were obsessed with beating Him. This type of person is driven to think of only one thing but ultimately it was not Jesus that they condemned but themselves! The real lesson here is in what Jesus said or rather didn’t say.
Jesus unlike us is perfect and righteous in all that He does and says. We make many mistakes each day and there are those all too ready to catch you making those mistakes and broadcast it loudly to all who will listen and when you try arguing your case and it only makes it worse because the foolish have not befriended reason but instead daily run as far as they can from it. No, when we try to argue our case we unwillingly leave behind the Rock on which we stand. God is our Protector and Provider and if our honor needs defending He will defend it, not only that but if our person is in danger from the foolish He will protect us but even if the foolish seem to win we would do well to remember this – only you can cause your feet to move from the Solid Rock on which you stand! We too have a judge who knows the truth but this time our judge has real authority and is not of this earth and those who wisely follow Him will be blessed to walk in wisdom all the days of their lives.
Father God thank You for loving truth, for You are Truth! Thank You for taking time to see all things to their finite end, for only You are worthy to judge the heart of man. You examining each thought, desire, and reason why of all who are involved and you are a righteous judge! Still I long for the truth to be made known to all but my justification is in You alone therefore, help me not move my feet from the Solid Rock on which You have called me to stand and help me not to place too high a value on other’s opinions for you called me not to please man but You oh Lord! Father, forgive me for not keeping my eyes upon you in my time of need and forgive me for trying to work things out for myself. Change me from the inside out and give me strength to continue in the ways of righteousness and let not my feet wonder from this place. In Jesus name, amen.
