The whole incident of Jesus being accused gives us insights to look at the various perspectives of accusations which will help us to understand the meanness and baselessness behind these and to apply them to our own lives. Were you accused falsely and suffered shame? This meditation for sure will help you see yourself in Jesus and be rest assured in Him, who took all our pain and shame upon Him.
Text for meditation: Mark 15:21-37
“The King of the Jews”
First, the Romans had put up an inscription of the charge against Jesus as “King of the Jews”. Why did they put up this as the charge against Him when many other issues were brought against Jesus by the Jewish High priest and Pharisees? Accusing Jesus as a one who claimed to be the “King of Jews” would make the whole issue very much “political”. That is, it would give Jesus a “motive” to cause insurrection against the Roman power. (And this is what the Roman authorities feared would happen).
People chose proper accusations to politicize the whole issue and to attach a “motive” to the accused. Are you caught in this political game and falsely charged with a wrong “motive”? Blessed are you, Jesus went through the same!
Counted among Convicts
“With Him they also crucified two robbers”
What meets the eye is what most people believe. The Romans had not only put up an accusation seemingly political in nature, they also did one more cunning thing to be safe. Because there was always a chance for the Jews (the majority who suffered) to take sides with Jesus counting Him as a Revolutionist. So very cleverly they crucified Jesus between two bandits to make Him look like one among them – a bandit. So that the Jews may not take His side and accuse the Romans for a Political crime.
Are you falsely accused and counted one among the real offenders, who are the worst of the kind? How would you handle it? Let your “self” be crucified with Jesus Christ.
“You who would destroy the temple in three days”
For these people their Temple and Tradition is more important than the Truth. Value for tradition has blinded their minds, that they are unable to see and understand the truth when it is presented to them; even though they are so close to the Truth. They fail to see Jesus as the One who came to fulfill all traditions; but they see Him as One who came to destroy them.
Are you accused for the changes that you suggest(ed)? Are your revolutionary ideas for the betterment looked at with contemptuousness? Cheer up, Jesus was accused the same way. Ultimately Truth Triumphed! That it spread(s) to the whole world!
“Let the Messiah… come down from the cross… we may see and believe”
These are the religious leaders who are sound in their religious texts. And know what Jesus did and claimed. But still do not believe in the Personhood of Jesus, the Messiah. Though they had seen all the good things that Jesus did they did not believe in Him and they would not believe even if Jesus would have to come down from the cross for them to “see and believe”. Because these people are prejudiced. Any number of proof would not be sufficient to make them change their mind and accept Jesus.
Are you fighting your case with people who are prejudiced? You are blessed. Because Jesus too was judged by such people. Do not given in to their demands, but rather happily submit to undergo the pain and suffering.
“they Crucified Him, they divided His garments”
What a terrible situation is this! When people falsely accuse us and use it as a means to defame us and rob us of all that we have, Jesus understands. In the world, people are waiting to take those things that belong us and are just looking for such an opportunity to grab our resources and responsibilities.
But like Jesus if we would know our calling and purpose for which God has called us, we will remain silent. Because in a little while He knew that He would be clothed in Majesty!
“Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days”
When you are accused falsely and are bearing the suffering, there will be a group of people who would misinterpret you and your claims. They would also point out to your promises, your plans and ridicule them, seeing your miserable state and judging that you will now never be able to fulfill them or do them.
Are you tired of such ridicule and judgments? Don’t give up. Just trust God. He has greater plans still!
“Look, He is calling for Elijah!”
These are the Roman soldiers and the passers by who mock at Jesus looking at the inscription. For them all that matters is what publicly seen and what everybody speaks about. They are not bothered about getting into the matter and finding the truth. And at every look at the accused they mock him. They also misinterpret the sufferers misery.
Are you suffering at the hands of such mockers? Do not give up. Jesus understands.
“Save yourself and us”
When someone is accused there will be some like that of this bandit who would want to save themselves through the one who is falsely accused. Even at that juncture all that matters for them is their life. You are not only abused at the hands of the accusers you are also used by real offenders! They would come to you not to comfort you or help you, but to see how they can benefit out of your state.
Are you suffocating because of those who want to use your miserable state for their benefit?
No one understands what I suffer!
When we undergo sufferings and false accusations, people may not understand. Rather they might even misunderstand us. Instead of soothing our pain they might make it more sour. We think no one understands. But JESUS does. Because He went through the same. And His sufferings, false accusations did not end in the grave, but He triumphed in Resurrection. So He can do the same in our lives too!
“[And see to it that] your conscience is entirely clear (unimpaired), so that, when you are falsely accused as evildoers, those who threaten you abusively and revile your right behaviour in Christ may come to be ashamed [of slandering your good lives].” (1 Peter 3:16 AMP)
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