Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders, scribes, and the entire Council immediately held a consultation; and they bound Jesus and led Him away, and turned Him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned Him: “So You are the King of the Jews?” And He answered him, “It is as you say.” And the chief priests started accusing Him of many things. But Pilate questioned Him again, saying, “Do You offer nothing in answer? See how many charges they are bringing against You!” But Jesus said nothing further in answer, so Pilate was amazed.

Do you have a common comeback in a moment of conflict? We often say things in the middle of an argument trying to make our point, or we think of them after the fact. We justify ourselves; we point the finger at others; we say mean things to hurt the ones accusing us. In the heat of an argument, our brain stops processing things logically and starts reacting defensively. As a result, we are left with things said that we didn’t mean and broken relationships that need to be mended.

When Jesus received accusation, He set a different example. Instead of being defensive with blood boiling and fiery responses, He was a person of peace. He endured every critique, criticism, and accusation remembering His identity in His heavenly Father. He had an eternal mindset, one of hope that went beyond the present reality and reminded Him of the glory with God ahead. Ephesians 6:11-12 gives us insight into how this peaceful endurance is possible for us too. It says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” When we are equipped by God and put on His armor instead of living according to our inclinations, we can reflect Christ even in arguments and moments of accusation that would usually bring out the worst in us.

• What else can you learn from Jesus’s example when accused?
• When have you reacted in a sinful way in an argument recently? How might you have handled that moment in a godly way?
• Pray and ask God for self-control and clarity of mind to reflect Him even in moments of conflict.