When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.

John 18:22

For Meditation

Almighty power and authority at my disposal, there is no way I would have let that poor man live; yet, Jesus held His own (23); and that blows my mind away. But that was what He had come down to do.

Isaiah had it right: “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted … He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth” (Isa. 53:4, 7). And, how did He do it?

They call it, meekness – strength under control. Paul tells us how He did it in Philippians 2:5-8. He emptied Himself of every prerogative as God, took the very nature of a servant, clothed Himself with a human body, humbled Himself, and learned obedience to death – even death on the cross. That’s how Jesus did it.

But don’t tell it to our pastors, prophets, and apostles of today. Don’t mention it in the corridors of the church He died for. The leaders of today have made Jesus an alien in His church. They have become lords of the church in place of the Head of the church Himself. They curse and command fire and brimstone on their perceived accusers and enemies. They throw their weight about as if they have any power of their own. And why not? They are the anointed ones of God. “Do not touch my anointed ones,” they scream. “Do my prophets no harm” (1 Chron. 16:22).

Yet, the officer in Annas’ courtroom slapped the Master Himself; but He did not curse or strike back.

Strength under control. That’s how the Savior walked to victory on the cross.

Do you have it?