John 18:22-23 “When He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, ‘Is that the way You answer the high priest?’ Jesus answered him, ‘If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?’”
Under the greatest pressure one can imagine, Jesus remains righteous. He could not speak wrongly. In fact, Jesus had spoken rightly. In line with the Jewish Mishnah, He asked Annas, “Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said.” That was exactly how a just trial was to proceed. The council brings in at least two witnesses who agree to the material events or actions of the accused. They are not to question the accused, but simply be an unbiased judiciary listening to the testimonies of those who were there.
Again, notice, how Jesus loved the officer. He led him to examine his conscience in light of the law, which Jesus knew that the officer understood. The officer had no answer to Jesus’ question because he knew Jesus had spoken rightly. This is helpful for us when we are in difficult relationships. It is humble and loving to ask, “Where have I spoken or acted wrongly? Please show me. And if you cannot testify to the wrong, why are you treating me this way?” Because God is love, we can rightly assume that all of Jesus’ remarks are motivated in love. Doesn’t this amaze you? It does me. Jesus didn’t say what He said because He thought it would actually “work” with the officer. That wasn’t His goal. He is a God of justice and truth. It isn’t love to allow someone to abuse and use you without caring for the truth and for the offender. I want to learn from Jesus how to love like He did. May God give us His wisdom in difficult situations and relationships.
Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com
