This is a question that all will ask at some point in time. Many will assume that anytime they feel threatened or imposed upon that the proper thing to do is to defend themselves, but what did Jesus have to say on the matter? Let’s break it down together:
To feel the need to defend oneself, a person must first feel threatened.
Many times people tried to intimidate or even harm Jesus. Never do we see him retaliate or defend himself.
Jesus was secure in the knowledge that he could call for angelic defence at any time that he wished. That knowledge was enough for him, he did not need to actually do it.
“Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:53 KJV
Jesus was secure in the knowledge of who he knew he was. He knew that he “came from God, and went to God” (John 13:3). When a Christian truly has a revelation of their identity as a child of the King, the need to defend themselves is melted away in the knowledge that nothing can happen to them that hasn’t passed through the knowledge and hand of God.
My knowledge that nothing can come against me that God has not allowed frees me from the need to fight back, defend, or justify myself. This is the wisdom and power of the cross. People are drawn like a magnet to the peace that those who carry it possess.
What did Jesus show us through his actions?
Jesus defended the helpless around him.
“When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee:go, and sin no more.” John 8:10-11 KJV
He defended the children.
“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them:and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not:for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:13-14 KJV
He did not defend himself.
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7 KJV
What did Jesus tell us with his words?
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24 KJV
“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:39-48 KJV
– Pastor Phil Lemke
