Is the world amazed?

Reflecting on Mark 15:1-5

"Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed." (Mark 15:5)

I reflected earlier on the wisdom remaining clam and quiet.
This can be an effective way of handling a pointless argument.
But it can also be an effective witness to others.
Pilate has handled controversies like this before.
He knows human nature (including his own) but in Jesus he encounters a mystery.
Jesus does not fight, neither accusing nor defending.
Jesus remains calm, an example of inner strength and peace.

I know how hard this is for myself.
From experience I can see how much self-control this takes.
It is not weakness to refuse to fight, it is strength.
I would even say such a calm posture is a superpower.
Uncommon among humans.

In this Jesus demonstrates a new kind of strength, from above.
Jesus is empowered with the fruit of the Spirit, including self-control.
And Pilate notices, and is amazed.
He knows the religious leaders are acting out of self-interest (15:10).
And he himself will soon act out of self-interest (15:15).
But not Jesus; Jesus is empowered by self-control, not self-interest.

What do non-christians see in christians and the church today?
Is it self-control, or is it self-interest?
Do the crowds observe our humble, gracious, peaceful posture?
Do they sense ‘goodness’ in us, something different than usual?

As Jesus followers, we have been given the superpower of the Spirit.
The Spirit works God’s love, joy, peace… self-control in us.
We know that our victory doesn’t come through attacking or defending.
Our greatness is not accomplished through controlling others.
Our greatness is in our being like Jesus, imitating His way.

Pilate asks Jesus if He is the king of the Jews.
An unusual claim for someone bound and beaten by the Jews.
Jesus is hardly a king-like here – no authority, no power.
Actually, no human-like authority and power.
Jesus is full of God-like authority and power.
Jesus is very king-like here, if we consider His God-like character.
It doesn’t look like it from a human point of view.

The same can be said for Jesus-followers.
We are seated with, and reigning with, Jesus.
God’s kingdom is at work in the world, upending the dominion of darkness.
We reign by imitating the way of Jesus, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit.
We think and speak and act out of love, joy, peace.
Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Or maybe I should say, this is how we ought to think, speak and act!

I believe the world would be amazed if they witnessed this.
While all other human religions and powers attack and defend…
Jesus followers humble serve, model peace, demonstrate goodness.
This is what our world needs more of in these tumultuous times.
Not more religious noise or judgment, but Jesus-like love, joy and peace.
This is not weakness – even if the world thinks it is – it is our superpower.

As Jesus followers, we are being watched.
Both the church (religious leaders) and state (political leaders) are watching.
They may accuse us of crimes against God or the state, but they see something else.

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:12-17)

“But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:20-23)

May the world around us be amazed at what they see in Jesus-followers.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You have left me an example, that I should follow in Your steps. I cannot do this in my own human strength, I need Your Spirit. Infuse Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness - and especially self-control - in me... that the world may know see and be amazed at You!