A Different Way to Resist

Main Point: Jesus showed us how we should respond to adversity, but we rarely emulate his example.

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” —Luke 19:37-38

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” —Luke 22:39-42

Jesus was ready to fulfill his purpose because of the habits he had ahead of time.

When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. —Luke 22:49-51

Even in the darkest hour, Jesus chose peace over violence.

Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.” —Luke 22:52-53

Confidence in God’s plan made it possible for Jesus to surrender his own power and preference.

The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” And they said many other insulting things to him. —Luke 22:63-65

Jesus never responded to hate with more hate.

At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. “If you are the Messiah,” they said, “tell us.”

Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”

They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?”

He replied, “You say that I am.”

Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.” —Luke 22:66-71

Jesus didn’t need to win now because he knew that he would prevail later.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” —Luke 23:34

When faced with the worst treatment imaginable, Jesus chose forgiveness.

Takeaway: Being like Christ means choosing peace and forgiveness.

Discussion Questions
1.Are you someone who is more naturally drawn to peace or to conflict? Has this changed as you have grown older and/or closer to God?
2.What are you doing to develop the necessary habits now that will help you get through future, unanticipated conflicts?
3.How does confidence in God and his plan allow you to respond differently than someone who doesn’t have that same hope? Why is this such a crucial part of this entire picture of resisting like Jesus?
Table Discussion Question - How do you think the example that Jesus showed us for facing adversity compares with what most Christ-followers tend to do when encountering opposition?