Resolute Dignity
Is it not amazing how Jesus holds his dignity amid the mess and evil distortion of the facts during his betrayal, trial and crucifixion?
He meets Judas’ kiss of betrayal by still calling him ‘friend’. Instead of becoming angry, rebellious, and vengeful when Judas betrays him, he rebukes this sort
of behaviour in his disciples. He stretches out his hand in compassion and miraculously heals the ear of the high priest’s servant.
Jesus endures the disrespectful and taunting behaviour of the soldiers, being bound and forced where he does not wish to go, the sneering mobs, the insulting comments and his untruthful, false trial with self-respect and poise. The unfathomable pain of his scourging, the crown of thorns and,
ultimately, his unjust crucifixion is met with patient endurance and resolute dignity.
How are you inclined to react when falsely accused or slandered, or when you undergo character assassination in your family, community or workplace?
How have you reacted when you are needlessly and viciously attacked or physically harmed by those who hate you without
reason?
