In ministry we will have people who let us down or disappoint us in some way. We might also experience betrayal, false accusations, or other hard-to-take acts against us. How do we react? What is our attitude toward them? How do we treat them?
Jesus’ Attitude in Ministry Toward Those Who Did Him Wrong
As I was reading John 13:1-11 in some personal time with the Lord, I noticed bookends to a well-known story about Jesus.
We often get caught up in the act of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet and its lessons on servanthood. We might take note of Peter’s reaction and Jesus’ response. But, how often do we tie in verses 2 and 11, what I am calling the bookends to this story?The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. …
For he (Jesus) knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
I believe these verses are significantly placed in the context of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. Jesus knew Judas was going to betray Him but He washed His feet anyway. He humbled Himself in this act of service not only for those who would ultimately remain faithful and true to Him, some of whom would die as martyrs for Jesus, but also for the one who would betray Him.
I am reminded of Jesus’ teaching:
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Lk. 6:27-28)
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. (Lk. 6:32-33)
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Lk. 6:35-36)
Even while hanging on the cross, Jesus extended grace to His enemies, saying “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).
Jesus, “for the joy set before him endured the cross.” “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb. 12:2-3)
Jesus knew there was a bigger picture and committed Himself to the Father to take care of Him which is why He could serve the one he knew would betray Him.
Aren’t you glad we don’t usually know in advance when someone will do us wrong? We would probably have an even greater struggle with our attitude toward them. Not Jesus! He still did good. He maintained perspective.
If you find maintaining perspective difficult, perhaps the 40 Day Challenge to Maintaining a Healthy Perspective will help. These are pillars of truth you need to cling to in order to maintain a good attitude toward those who do you wrong. (Feel free to copy the 40 Day Challenge page from the link above for your own use or to give to others who might be helped by it.)
“Aren’t you glad we don’t usually know in advance when someone will do us wrong? We would probably have an even greater struggle with our attitude toward them. Not Jesus! He still did good. He maintained perspective.”
This paragraph really hit home as I thought about how I would react and sometimes do react! Thanks for the reminder about keeping perspective!
You are welcome, Deb. Here is the really wonderful thing about looking to Jesus as communicated in that paragraph: He is not only our example in such situations but also our power source.
Thank God for the encouraging words on your site. I have been battling many enemies and have not always responded according to scripture. I pray that Jesus will teach me and give me the strength to allow him to fight all my battles, while I pray and do good to them who lie on me, talk about me, mistreat me, seek my utter destruction, plot against me and so on. Please pray for my strength in the Lord. I really am in need of it right now.
Praise God that you have been encouraged by the words on this site. We would be glad to stop and pray for you in the battles you face. We all fail to properly respond at times. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn. 1:8-9)
Thanks for responding. One more thing will your ministry please pray that I allow the will of Christ to totally engulf my life, and I don’t allow the cares of this life to choke out the word of God within me. I constantly have so much coming at me. I’m stressed to the no limits, and trying to understand the evils of peoples hearts is even more stressing then ever. Can I ever experience God’s total peace? I haven’t had total peace in a long time, seems as if trials never stop in my life, not just for a secound. I’m really tired of living in this evil world. How can I find total victory? Sorry to bother you again.
You are welcome, Tasha. There are no easy answers, especially in what can be shared in a comment or two, particularly without knowing the specifics of your life. But, I can say that peace is ever so important in walking through trials and difficult relationships regardless of what they are and the severity of them. Because it is so critical, I sense God would have me write an entire post about it rather than a short comment. It will enable me to respond to your comment with adequate prayer and thought put into my response. Be looking for a new post. In the meantime, we will be praying for you.
Here is the link to the first of what is turning out to be a five part series on peace: Too Hard to Make It Without Peace Part 1 – May God use it to further encourage you and help you find peace.
Thank you for the encouraging words of God on this website. I have been going through battles in my life also.
You are most welcome, Vanessa. I will stop and pray that God gives you the strength, encouragement, and wisdom needed. — “… be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Eph. 6:10)