Conclusion of He Is Not Rebellious

When Jesus stands before Pilate, he does not beg for his life to be spared but maintains quiet dignity, knowing that he must die in order for the Scriptures to be fulfilled.  When the Roman governor points out that he has the power to condemn Jesus to death or to release him, Jesus fearlessly replies:  "You would have no authority at all against me unless it had been granted to you from above."  (John 19:11)   Pilate's soldiers subject  Jesus to inhuman treatment, but they fail to shame him.  Why should he feel ashamed?  he is not being justly punished for some transgression. Rather, he is being persecuted for righteousness' sake.  In this respect, Isaiah's further prophetic words are fulfilled: "The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself will help me. That is why I shall not have to feel humiliated.  That is why I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed." -Isaiah 50:7.

Jesus' courage is rooted in his complete confidence in Jehovah.  His comportment shows him to be in full harmony with the words of Isaiah: "The One declaring  me righteous is near.  Who can contend with me?  Let us stand up together. Who is my judicial antagonist?  Let him approach me. Look! The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself will help me. Who is there that can pronounce me wicked?  Look! All of them, like a garment, will wear out. A mere moth will eat them up."  (Isaiah 50:8, 9)  On the day of Jesus' baptism, Jehovah declares him righteous as a spiritual son of God. In fact, God's own voice is heard on that occasion, saying: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved."  (Matthew 3:17)  Near the end of his earthly life, as Jesus kneels in prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, 'an angel from heaven appears to him and strengthens him.'  (Luke 22:41-43) So Jesus knows that this Father approves of his life course.  This perfect Son of God has committed no sin.  (1 Peter 2:22)  His enemies falsely accuse him of being a Sabbath breaker, a drunkard, and a demonized person, but Jesus is not dishonored by their lies.  God is with him, so whey can he be against him? -Luke 7:34; John 5:18; 7:20; Romans 8:31; Hebrews 12:3.

Jesus warns his disciples:  "If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also."  (John 15:20)  Events  soon prove this true. At Pentecost 33 C.E., holy spirit comes upon Jesus' faithful disciples, an the Christian congregation is born. Almost immediately religious leaders try to suppress the preaching work of  these faithful men and women who are now associated with Jesus as part of "Abraham's seed" and adopted as spiritual sons of God.  (Galatians 3:26, 29; 4:5, 6)  From the first century until now, anointed Christians, while taking a firm stand for righteousness, have to contend with lying propaganda and bitter persecution from Jesus enemies.

Still, they remember Jesus' encouraging words:  "Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake.  Rejoice  and leap for joy, since your reward is great in the heavens."  (Matthew 5:11, 12) Hence, even under the most bitter of attacks, anointed Christians hold their heads high. Whatever their opponents might say, they know that they have been declared righteous by God. In his sight they are "unblemished and open to not accusation." -Colossians 1:21, 22. 

In modern times anointed Christians are supported by 'a great crowd" of "other sheep."  These too, take a stand for righteousness. Consequently, they have suffered along with their anointed brothers and have "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."  Jehovah has declared them righteous with a view  to survival of "the great tribulation."  (Revelation 7:9, 14, 15; John 10:16; James 2:23)  Even if their opponents seem strong right now, Isaiah's prophecy says that in God's due time,  those opponents will prove to be discarded. Meanwhile, both anointed Christians and  "other sheep"  keep strong through regular prayer, study of God's Word, and attendance at meetings for worship. Thus they are taught by Jehovah and learn to speak with the tongue of the taught ones.

Next time: Trust in the Name of Jehovah

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001