“Yet even then their testimony did not agree.” Mark 14:59
It has never surprised me that Jesus was charged and convicted unjustly. After all, Isaiah 53:3-4 foretold his unfair trial by saying “He was despised and rejected…considered punished by God.” He was misunderstood and judged without just cause.
Why then am I shocked when I’m treated similarly? A few years ago, I was accused by an employer of doing something I had not done, but—even more unfathomable—I would never even have considered doing! When I vehemently denied the charges, the accusations continued. I was able to prove that I wasn’t even working the day the incident occurred and provided an exemplary reference from where I had volunteered that day. The questioning continued with the response that they must have the wrong date. It was agonizing for me, and I saw no end to it.
A few months later after more accusations, I was fired. Within 30 minutes, I was able to see a blessing. Now, more than three years later, I continue to recognize and acknowledge the blessings. What was intended to wound me has only enriched my life.
Surely while praying in Gethsemane, Jesus already knew the tremendous victory over Satan that his death and resurrection would be. Yet, he still prayed for relief before laying down his will. He knew it would be similar for the disciples: trouble and peace.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
This promise from Jesus once served as a reminder that God never promised me an earthly life of tranquility. As I continue to mature spiritually, I’ve been able to recognize its bigger promise of eternal life. Jesus overcame the world with its injustice and unfair treatment. By enduring that kind of pain for me, He became the sacrifice for my sin, which would have sentenced me to eternal death.
Was it unjust that Jesus died for my sins? Absolutely! Am I able to recognize the blessing of His sacrifice? Yes, but I’ll admit that I may not fully understand the magnitude until I die. Until then, I’m focused on worshiping Him and not allowing the accusations of Satan to steal the peace that Jesus has given me.
