“Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, ‘Are You the King of the Jews?’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you say.’ And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. Then Pilate said to Him, ‘Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?’ But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.”—Matthew 27:11–14 (NKJV)
What does it take for a powerful, hardened, vicious governor to marvel? Have you ever considered that Pontius Pilate was actually marveling at the majesty of meekness Jesus displayed?
The word marvel in the Bible is often associated with the witness of God’s supernatural miracles, or an event that surpasses all human capabilities. Pilate witnessed the silent confidence of the Messiah. In the midst of chaos and injustice, Christ is the center of calm. Jesus is ready and willing to fulfill the prophecy foretold of Him approximately 700 years beforehand. Isaiah 53:7 (NKJV) speaks to this moment in history: “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.”
Our culture grapples to understand meekness. Unfortunately, it’s so often confused with weakness, deficiency, or passivity. We live in a fast-paced, self-serving, cancel-culture world that has no patience or tolerance for what might be perceived as weakness. But may I invite you to consider that weakness and meekness are two characteristics on opposite ends of the spectrum. Meekness is supremely powerful and controlled. Jesus being God in the flesh could have destroyed Pilate and the Roman Empire with a blink of an eye, but He willingly obeyed the Father and endured the brutal death of the cross for us!
Why should we practice meekness?
In the four Gospel accounts, the only two autobiographical descriptions Jesus uses of Himself are lowly and meek. If the Savior of the world values these attributes then we should do our best to better understand the inner working of biblical meekness and emulate His example. Meekness in action has the kind of power that strokes deep curiosity and wonder in the heart of an unbeliever, as it did for Pilate. We best glorify God when we act in meekness towards God and others.
The Greek word for meekness is praus (prah-oos’). It was used to describe a wild horse that was trained for combat. Only horses capable of restraining their power and strength to the will of their master were fit for the battlefield.
It’s no surprise then that meekness is how we win the spiritual battles in our own lives—by yielding to the will of our Master (Jesus). Spiritual victory happens when we exercise supernatural self-control, instead of power and authority.
How can we take small steps towards meekness today?
The sobering truth is this isn’t always easy, as the twist and turns of this road are extremely challenging. We don’t have to look far to know the journey of meekness and submission is a path less traveled. We can try to rightly display Christ’s character by not reviling back at the person who gossips about us or cuts us off in traffic. We can quench the desire to stay angry after we’ve been betrayed. We can accept a scenario where we don’t come out on top. We can choose to serve instead of being served.
Meekness can be as simple as resisting the urge to have the last word in argument, or as challenging as forgiving someone who has deeply hurt you. Meekness is a great opportunity to let Jesus fight our battles. And the good news is: He’s already won the war!
Pause: Consider the obedience, confidence, and meekness Jesus had going to the cross. He was a willing sacrifice for you and me. John 10:18 (NKJV) says, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” Are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom?
Practice: Sit down and journal with Jesus this week. Have Him walk you through the areas of your life where you struggle with self-control (meekness).
Pray: Dear Jesus, I know meekness is a fruit of the Spirit. Your Word tells me that the meek shall inherit the earth. Meekness is a struggle for me. My fear is I’ll be viewed as a doormat, but nothing happens to me that’s not filtered through Your mighty hands. Thank You for laying down Your life for me. Please help me to surrender to Your will in all areas of my life, so I display Your character to the world. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
