Scripture: Isaiah 50:6 – “I gave my back to those who struck me and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.” (NRSVue)
The Wednesday of Holy Week is called “Spy Wednesday”, because it is the day that some Jewish leaders secretly looked for ways to destroy Jesus and that Judas chose to betray Jesus. It is a day of relative peace for Jesus, after disputing with opponents in the streets and before the Last Supper and Passion. Mary of Bethany anoints his feet with oil, trying to bring comfort to him before his death. On this day of quiet and secret intrigue, it is good to remember the kind of courage Jesus shows in the face of his enemies.
Jesus is preparing himself to be a lamb for the slaughter, but that does not mean he is a mild victim. Jesus was non-violent, but still confronted his enemies. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek. This idea comes from the Book of Isaiah, depicting the Suffering Servant. The identity of this servant is complicated, but among other things, he was humiliated and assaulted for the sake of God. But he did not flee from conflict. When people abused him, he challenged them to continue, humiliating them in their evil as they tried to humiliate him in their power.
Some people think it shows weakness to take abuse. They say a true hero fights back and reclaims power and victory over their enemies. But Jesus teaches us that there is more courage to keep struggling even if people resist you. There are a lot of times when people want us to give up and go away, to give into our fear in the face of their intimidation. And if we violently fight back, we show fear in trying to avoid hurt by hurting others. Giving up and striking back both come from a place of fear.
But taking the beating without giving up requires the greatest courage. You say that what I believe in is worth struggling for, and that you are willing to suffer for what is important, no matter what.
Jesus does not give up. He does flee from the cup he must drink. He does not use his heavenly power to destroy his enemies. He resists them by showcasing to all the evil that fear can produce, and through his resurrection, he demonstrates that fear can never win in the end.
I bet there are a lot of things in your life that you are angry about. You look at your “enemies”, and want to get them to stop doing the things that bring so much suffering to the world. But take a moment to remember that when you belittle and insult them, they assume their cause is just. But when you highlight their cruelty in the face of peaceful opposition, they are exposed for the fearful bullies they are. So on this “Spy Wednesday”, I hope you will keep your faith and keep working for the things you believe in. Take a risk, whether it is accepting blows like Jesus or the Suffering Servant or if it is just speaking out in a way that might upset others. Show courage as Jesus did and in the end, you will find victory.
Prayer: Jesus, help me to overcome my fear to struggle boldly for you. Amen.
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