defense

“I can’t do a solitary thing on my own: I listen, then I decide.  You can trust my decision because I’m not out to get my own way but only to carry out orders.” John 5:30 (The Message)

“But my purpose is not to get your vote, and not to appeal to mere human testimony.  I’m speaking to you this way so that you will be saved.” John 5:34 (The Message)

The religious leaders are hounding Jesus again for proof of his credentials or authority to do the things that he’s doing.  In this passage, Jesus responds with a defense of himself (John 5:17).  I’m struck by the fact that Jesus defends himself in this situation and chooses not to defend himself later at the time of his death.  I can see from Jesus’ example that there is a time to defend yourself, and there is a time to stand silent before your accusers – but what criteria distinguishes the one time from the other?  Where does this defense come from within Jesus’ heart?  What is his inner motivation?

At this specific moment in time, Jesus is defending himself in this way so that his listeners will be saved.  His defense offers them information that is meant to enable them to believe who he is and find life in him.  How often do I defend myself for the purpose of “saving others”?  The honest answer to that question is: “NEVER”.  Defensiveness is usually a behavior that has a negative connotation – and for very good reason.  But Jesus’ “defensiveness” cannot be described as being negative; it’s actually quite selfless in nature and in purpose.  His defensiveness comes from a heart of love and concern for others.  My defensiveness is always selfish, self-serving and self-preserving.  I find Jesus’ brand of defensiveness to be very impressive, indeed!

As I sit with these insights a while, I hear God instruct me regarding the criteria that I am to follow:  if I sense that God is leading me to open my mouth and speak in my own defense, then I can trust God to give me the correct words that will enhance the life of my listener; but if, however, my defense will not benefit others in any way, then I need to keep my mouth shut and leave my defense in the capable hands of God.  How else can I follow Jesus’ example?  It’s as simple as that.