Wrongly Accused

Have you ever been accused of something you didn’t do? How did you respond? Has anyone ever accused you, though, of being an enemy of God when you were trying to live for God?

Jesus was.

Matthew 26:62-65      ⁶² Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” ⁶³ But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” ⁶⁴ “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” ⁶⁵ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. ⁶⁶ What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered.

I have been wrongly accused, but I’ve never been accused of being an enemy of God. I can’t imagine what that would be like. I’m a follower of Christ, but I’m still sinful and could appear like an enemy. Jesus, however, is completely sinless and isn’t just a follower of God, but is God!

Jesus didn’t get upset, didn’t try to defend himself, and didn’t make accusations back (although they would have been completely just and truthful). He calmly remained silent. He only spoke when they charged Him by God’s authority to speak.

How do you and I respond to wrongful accusations? Do we get upset and lash back or remain calm? There may be times to remain silent, or at least until the other person’s anger has subsided. Or, there may be times when we should try to explain the truth calmly, without throwing accusations back.    

Alice