Tags
1 Peter 2:23, Crucifixion, Death and resurrection of Jesus, Discipleship, Forgiveness, Hate, Jesus, Revenge, Teaching of Jesus, The death of Jesus
Day 40
Thursday in the Sixth week of Lent / Maundy Thursday
1 Peter 2:23
When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.
He did not return hate for hate. He did not return abuse for abuse. He did not return threat for threat. He did not return scorn for scorn.
He did not curse when cursed. He did not spit when spat upon. He did not strike when struck.
There was no pay back. There were no threats about the fires of hell or the judgment to come. There was no secret satisfaction at the thought of his enemies’ eternal damnation. There was no pride in his triumphal entry to Jerusalem; no vanity in besting his opponents, no animosity to Jerusalem’s elite, only tears for the city that killed the prophets.
He did not return hate for hate. He taught his followers by getting down on his knees to wash feet. He forgave those who mocked, those who pounded the nails, even, presumably, those who drank wine in their palatial homes while their thugs carried out their brutal desires.
He did not return hate for hate. He lived what he taught. He followed the path of divine mercy and faithfulness. “He entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.” And God voided the sentence against him. There was no sin in him that needed purging. God intervened with resurrection.
And now he is among us. Breaking bread. Showing his wounded hands. Calling us to follow. Breathing his Spirit upon us. Sending us to continue the work of healing and grace.
Now he is among us.
Fearful Love, Daring Mercy,
walk with us
that we may walk with you.
+ + +
Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Campion_Hall_Jesus.jpg; Gownley at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
© David K Bonde, 2021, All rights reserved