What does Jesus' response in John 18:23 reveal about His character? Setting the Scene • Jesus has been seized in Gethsemane and brought before Annas for a preliminary interrogation (John 18:12-14). • Annas questions Him about His disciples and teaching; an officer responds to Jesus with a harsh blow (18:19-22). The Exact Words “ ‘If I said something wrong,’ Jesus replied, ‘testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?’ ” (John 18:23) What His Answer Reveals about His Character • Truth-Centered – He invites open evidence: “testify as to what is wrong.” – Shows unwavering confidence that every word He speaks is true (cf. John 14:6). • Courage under Pressure – Surrounded by armed guards, He refuses to retreat from truth or cower before power (cf. Isaiah 50:7). • Perfect Self-Control – Receives the slap yet responds without rage; fulfills Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” – 1 Peter 2:23 highlights the same moment: “When He was insulted, He did not retaliate.” • Commitment to Justice – Appeals to lawful procedure: if there is wrongdoing, bring evidence; if not, the blow is unjust (cf. Deuteronomy 25:1-2). – Affirms that true authority is bound to righteousness, exposing the court’s hypocrisy. • Meekness, Not Weakness – Meekness: power under control (Matthew 11:29). – Though He could summon twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:53), He chooses restrained words. • Innocence Maintained – The question “why did you strike Me?” underscores His sinlessness; there is no valid charge (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Love for His Enemies – By calling for honest testimony rather than retaliation, He offers those officers a chance to face truth and repent (Luke 23:34). • Obedience to the Father’s Redemptive Plan – Accepts unjust treatment as part of the cup He must drink (John 18:11), fulfilling Isaiah 53:7 while still witnessing to truth. Practical Takeaways for Today • Speak truth graciously and boldly, even when opposed. • Refuse retaliation; entrust justice to God (Romans 12:19). • Uphold righteousness in every setting, appealing to fairness and evidence. • Let calm, reasoned words expose wrongdoing more powerfully than anger ever could. |
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