What does it feel like to be falsely accused? I know my first reaction is defensiveness. How do I correct the wrong? How do I explain away a misunderstanding of words? And what if the accusation is intentionally false to create chaos and cast doubt?
My “human” reaction never seems to defuse the situation, but instead to inflame it. I watch the national stage and I see the same: the heat of the fire just gets stronger until judgment is delivered.
But how can I be vindicated of a false statement unless I respond with the same intensity?
My answer is in the Gospels that all report the response of Jesus to His accusers.
During Jesus’s time, nothing provoked greater anger among observant Jews than acts perceived to be defilements of the Temple. We read of Jesus turning over the tables on the money-changers and driving out the pigeon-sellers (the birds were used as sacrifices by worshipers from the Temple). And there was the account in John’s Gospel (5:16-17) where Jesus declares that He is carrying on His Father’s work, even on the Sabbath. John in verse 18 clearly outlines that the Jewish leaders began to persecute Him for blasphemy, “calling God his own Father, and making himself equal to God.”
So as Jesus carries out His Father’s work, it confronts the authority and power of the day. Although the Jewish leaders and Roman Emperor are wary of each other, they have settled on a common enemy: Jesus.
But when Jesus is on trial (John 18:19-21), the high priest asks him about his disciples and teachings. Jesus responds that he has nothing to hide and he taught in the open. He says to ask the others—“Surely they know what I said.” Jesus is rewarded for his honesty with a slap in the face from an official. Jesus responds: “If I said something wrong, testify to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”
Jesus answers Pilate when accused of being a “king”: “In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
And Pilate could find no basis for the charge against him.
When anyone speaks the truth, it should not be condemned or ridiculed by the false accusers.
Blessings and Peace, my friend,
Agatha