Demand Justice for Yourself and Others
Rev. Tse Amable | October 12 2024 | John 18:19-24

KEY VERSE:
“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” John 18:23 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
We are looking at the trial of Jesus Christ in the court of Annas, the High Priest. After responding respectfully but confidently and courageously to a question he was asked, the Lord was slapped in the face by one of the officials. Jesus Christ did not take this physical abuse kindly and protested.
The subject of justice, specifically human rights, is of general concern to people all over the world. Before human beings enacted their laws, Jehovah had already given laws and commandments concerning how people should be treated. Jehovah is very much concerned about how accused people are treated everywhere including in court. Before nations adopted “JUSTICE FOR ALL”, Jehovah had it in his laws. For example, in Exodus 23:6, the Lord commanded “Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits”. Centuries later, through the mouth of Prophet Amos, Jehovah declared: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24)
Jehovah wants all people (especially the poor, strangers, and the vulnerable) to be treated fairly and justly, giving them their due respect. Speaking through Prophet Zechariah, the Lord said, “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other” (Zechariah 7:9-10).
As God’s ambassadors on Planet Earth, the church and Christians should play lead roles in the fight for justice. We should register our protests through every legal means at our disposal when the human rights of suspects and accused persons are abused flagrantly and blatantly. We, God’s people, should be seen as champions of fighters for human rights and justice in our countries.
Demand and insist on justice for yourself and for everybody.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Does it bother you that suspects and accused persons are shabbily treated by the police and other law-enforcing authorities? What can you do to stop or minimise the physical abuse of alleged criminals?
PRAYER:
Lord, you are the judge of all flesh. We bring before you people who have been denied justice in the courts and people who are being molested, tortured and denied basic rights. We pray that you will be a swift witness against all those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: STRIKE The word "strike" comes from the Greek word plēssō (πλήσσω), meaning to hit, strike, or to wound physically. It conveys the idea of causing harm, whether physically or symbolically, and reflects the act of unjustly attacking someone.
In John 18:23, Jesus questions the injustice of being struck for speaking the truth. The strike against Him was not only a physical blow but also a moral and spiritual offence. It highlighted the wrongful treatment He endured for standing by the truth, emphasizing the depth of injustice He faced.
What Jesus experienced reminds us that being a champion of truth may come with personal costs. Believers are called to endure these strikes with integrity, knowing that God sees and upholds justice. It also challenges us to avoid striking out against others unfairly, ensuring that we treat others with fairness and dignity.
Reflections:
How do you respond when faced with unjust treatment? Are you willing to endure opposition for the sake of truth and justice, just as Jesus did?

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