Introductory Thoughts
The Bible repeatedly referred to Christ's meekness during His interaction with others. Meekness implies a gentle response toward those who attack. Jesus Christ demonstrated meekness to its perfection on the cross of Calvary when He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Peter emphasized this point when he said of Christ, “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). Isaiah prophesied of Christ, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). The Bible says that Jesus was mocked, spit on, and struck by His accusers, yet He displayed incomprehensible meekness.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Jesus is God and could have effortlessly destroyed any and all who came against Him. In fact, He could have prayed to His Father and the Bible says He would have sent twelve legions of angels to help Him (Matthew 26:53). Yet, on the cross He prayed, "Father, forgive them" as the ultimate example for us to follow.
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(For everyone): Nobody in the Bible exemplifies meekness any better than Christ. What can we learn from the way He responded to the afflictions He endured on Calvary?
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The Lord Jesus Christ had every right to respond to those who abused Him. His accusers were wrong and in many cases acted in an evil fashion. Yet, He refused to respond to their taunts. What does this teach us about how we ought to respond when others wrongfully accuse us?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to give you meekness like Christ displayed.
- Ask the Lord to help you respond righteously when others wrongfully attack you.
Song
No, Not One!
