Self-Control

 Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 15 

“’Are you the king of the Jews?’ asked Pilate. ‘Yes, it is as you say,’ Jesus replied. The chief priests accused him of many things. So again Pilot asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.’ But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.”

Mark 15:2-5

In the face of false accusations with potentially lethal consequences, Jesus made no reply.

How would we respond?

Jesus’ higher value was the fulfillment of Scripture as he was silent while being “led like a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:17).

Do we feel we must defend ourselves when false accusations or rumors confront us?

In that moment, is there a higher value than our own reputation?

If we respond with the fruit of the Spirit, the world around us will be amazed. Defensiveness and fighting with words are normal; self-control and peace in the face of conflict are supernatural. In our identity as those who belong to God, we are called to respond in quiet confidence even as we face opposition for living on his mission.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for your example of self-control, humility, and boldness on your way to the cross.”