Who are we to demand anything of Jesus? When He was on trial, the authorities of both the Jewish and Roman empires demanded that Jesus answer their questions and accusations against him. But He kept silent. (Isaiah 53:7) He owed nothing to these men. He was their Creator, possessing knowledge so far greater than theirs that they could never imagine. (John 1:3; Colossians 2:3)
And yet they demanded answers from Him. The creatures were questioning their Creator. (Romans 9:20) Don’t we do the same? In our prayers, we demand Jesus answer them and answer in the way we want Him to. (James 4:3) Who are we to think we can demand anything of Christ? We proclaim Him to be our Lord and then act as if He is subservient to us. (Luke 6:46)
In the mock trial of Jesus before the religious leaders of the Jews, many bribes were given for false witnesses to testify against Jesus. (Matthew 26:57-65) Can you imagine having person after person stand before a court of law and tell lies about you? Imagine the frustration, aggravation, and fear over the implications of such a scene. Yet Jesus stood silent, refusing to refute any charge against Him. (Matthew 26:63) It would be a precursor to Him dying for every sin He never committed. (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22) They had no right to accuse the perfect Son of God of anything, but still His creation continued to heap insults on their Creator.
When standing trial before Pilate, Jesus faced another barrage of false accusations from the elders and the chief priests. They continued the lies the false witnesses had sworn against Jesus, no doubt embellishing them even further. Christ came to die for these very people, yet they lied about Him, hoping that one of the charges would stick. (Romans 5:8) They wanted Him condemned. They had seen the miracles. (John 12:37) They could feel His authority. (Matthew 7:28-29) But they pressed on, bloodthirsty with rage and jealousy. (Mark 15:10) Still, Jesus would not answer a single charge. (Matthew 27:1-14)
When it was all over, the sham trial produced a verdict of death for Jesus. The court never ruled Him guilty, and yet the death penalty was pronounced. We read the familiar story and think what a travesty it was, and we are confident we would never act in such a manner. Not so fast. We bring a false witness against Jesus every time we tell Him He isn’t being fair. (Job 40:2) Who are we to judge between right and wrong? We impugn His character and then have the audacity to place even more demands on Him.
Jesus owes us no answers, no mercy, and no slack. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. (Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:3) And who are we? We’re an insignificant voice thinking we know better than God, are more just than God, and sometimes might even do a better job at being God. (Job 38:2-4) It’s pathetic. The only reason God does not send fire from Heaven to consume us is because of His great love and unending mercy. (Lamentations 3:22-23; 2 Peter 3:9)
Jesus bore every accusation, every injustice, and every sin when He chose to carry His cross to that hill and die. (1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:4-6) He is the holy and righteous Son of God, the King with no equal. (Revelation 19:16) And who are we? Remember the love of Christ and what He did for you. (Galatians 2:19-20; Romans 5:8) Demand nothing of Jesus, but demand repentance from yourself. (Acts 17:30-31) He died so that you might live. (John 3:16) He doesn’t owe us anything, but we owe Him everything. (Romans 12:1) Go and live a life that is worthy of His death. (Ephesians 4:1)