Topical Encyclopedia Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin that is condemned throughout Scripture. Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, was not exempt from such malicious attacks. Despite His sinless nature and divine mission, He faced numerous instances of slander from various groups, including religious leaders, political authorities, and even the general populace.Religious Leaders' Accusations The Pharisees and Sadducees, who were often at odds with Jesus due to His teachings and growing influence, frequently resorted to slander. They accused Him of blasphemy, a serious charge under Jewish law, as seen in Matthew 9:3 : "At this, some of the scribes said to themselves, 'This man is blaspheming!'" This accusation was based on Jesus' claim to forgive sins, a prerogative they believed belonged solely to God. In another instance, the religious leaders accused Jesus of being in league with demonic forces. In Matthew 12:24 , the Pharisees said, "Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons." This slanderous claim was an attempt to undermine His miraculous works and divine authority. Political Accusations Jesus also faced slander from political authorities. During His trial before Pontius Pilate, the chief priests and elders accused Him of inciting rebellion against Rome. Luke 23:2 records their accusations: "We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a king." These charges were intended to portray Jesus as a political threat to Roman rule, despite His teachings that emphasized a spiritual kingdom. Public Misunderstandings The general populace, influenced by the religious leaders, also participated in slandering Jesus. In John 7:12 , it is noted, "There was much murmuring about Him among the crowds. Some said, 'He is a good man.' But others replied, 'No, He deceives the people.'" This division among the people highlights how slander can spread confusion and doubt, even among those who might otherwise be inclined to believe. Response to Slander Despite the slander He faced, Jesus responded with grace and truth. He often chose not to defend Himself against false accusations, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7 : "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth." Instead, He entrusted Himself to the Father, demonstrating a profound trust in God's justice and timing. In His teachings, Jesus warned His followers that they too would face slander and persecution. In Matthew 5:11 , He said, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me." This acknowledgment of slander as a reality for His disciples serves as both a warning and a comfort, reminding believers of their identification with Christ in suffering. Conclusion The slander that Christ endured is a testament to His unwavering commitment to His mission and His love for humanity. His response to such false accusations provides a model for believers, encouraging them to remain steadfast in truth and to trust in God's ultimate vindication. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 35:11False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 26:60 Library The Remembrance of Christ The Exaltation of Christ A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... The Psalms of David Persecution Every Christian's Lot The Greatest Trial on Record 1 Timothy iii. 4-Jan Editions of Origin. Satan's Devices Absolution. Resources What does the Bible say about slander? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about libel? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about backstabbing? | GotQuestions.org Slander: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Slander of David, by his Enemies Slander of Jeremiah, by the Jews Slander of Jesus, by the Jews Falsely Charging That he Was a Winebibber (Wino) Slander of Mephiboseth, by Ziba Slander: A Characteristic of the Devil Slander: An Abomination to God Slander: Characterized As Avoiding Slander: Christ Was Exposed To Slander: Comes from the Evil Heart Slander: Effects of Deadly Wounds Slander: Effects of Discord Among Brethren Slander: Effects of Separating Friends Slander: End of, is Mischievous Madness Slander: Evil People Addicted To Slander: Hypocrites Addicted To Slander: Hypocrites Habitually Slander: Includes: Bearing False Witness Slander: Includes: Evil Speaking Slander: Includes: Evil Surmising Slander: Includes: Judging Charitably Slander: Includes: Raising False Reports Slander: Includes: Repeating Matters Slander: Includes: Tale-Bearing Slander: Joseph by Potiphar's Wife Slander: Men Shall Give Account For Slander: Minister's Wives should Avoid Slander: Often Arises from Hatred Slander: People Shall Give Account For Slander: Saints should Keep Their Tongues From Slander: Saints should Lay Aside Slander: Saints: Blessed in Enduring Slander: Saints: Characterised As Avoiding Slander: Saints: should be Warned Against Slander: Saints: should Give No Occasion For Slander: Saints: should Keep Their Tongue From Slander: Saints: should Lay Aside Slander: Saints: should Return Good For Slander: Servants of God Exposed To Slander: should be Discountenanced With Anger Slander: should be Warned Against Slander: should Give No Occasion For Slander: should not be Listened To Slander: should Return Good For Slander: That he Was Seditious Slander: The Land of Canaan Misrepresented by the Spies Slander: The Nearest Relations Exposed To Slander: The Tongue of, is a Scourge Slander: The Wicked Addicted To Slander: They Who Indulge In, are Fools Slander: They Who Indulge In, not to be Trusted Slander: Those Who Indulge In, are Fools Slander: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Slander: Witnesses Against Christ Slander: Wives of God's Servants should Avoid Related Terms |
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