Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. — John 18:23-24

Here are a couple of observations about this moment. First, this was supposed to be a religious hearing, as the Mosaic law prescribes. So Jesus is just pointing out the obvious. This is not a religious hearing. It's an interrogation. It was obvious because there was not a single witness present. Not one was in the room. Second, this moment was intended to intimidate, which is reinforced by the slap in the face by the official. They were demanding that Jesus fall in line with the allegiance of power. And I think this is laughable since they just slapped the one with all power and authority — The Great High Priest.

Believers who live God-honoring lives will eventually encounter a moment like this. One where those who do evil seek to do us physical, emotional, or mental harm. Once this ramps up, it will sometimes unfairly escalate. We might even find ourselves "in the hot seat" under the light of their interrogation and feel defenseless. Most believers live in fear of these moments. But we shouldn't. These moments are huge opportunities for a believer. They are opportune moments where God's righteousness can shine brighter into the darkness. The contrast is spectacular when we have lived righteous lives under the direction of His Righteousness.

So, if you feel unfairly attacked by a friend, parent, spouse, or boss. Or if you happen to be sitting in the hot seat under the light of someone's unfair interrogation. How are you responding? Are you playing into the enemy's hand? Or do you see the evil for what it is, an opportunity to lean on his righteousness and let it shine?

And if this is not your current experience, right now may be the time to get your life in order. Start living a life guided by his righteousness because your time is coming. It may not be today, but it is coming. And our only defense is His righteousness.

ASK THIS:

When faced with challenging or unfair situations, how do you typically respond? Are there areas in your life where you feel challenged to rely more on God's righteousness in your responses?

In your own words, describe what it means for God's righteousness to shine brighter into the darkness during difficult moments. Can you share an example from your life or someone else's where this has been evident?

DO THIS: Choose righteousness when others act unjustly.

PRAY THIS: Lord, in moments of unfairness and adversity, help me to embrace Your righteousness as my guiding light and source of strength, just as Jesus did. Grant me the courage to stand firm in faith and respond with grace and love. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me.