Dealing like Jesus with Those Who Mean to Harm You

^“But Jesus didn't trust them, because he knew human nature. No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like. John 2:24-25 N.L.T.

Jesus was a master in dealing with his adversaries; he did not let crafty people trick him. The chief priests wanted him dead because they were afraid of Jesus’ growing influence that threatened their authority and power as religious leaders. Jesus also threatened their finances by preaching against the trade in ritual sacrificial animals which was a big source of revenue for the priests in the temple. However, they could not find any evidence to justify a death sentence. They tried to trick him by distorting words that he had uttered, slapping him and even spitting on him, but he remained silent to their taunts. The only thing they could pin on him was that he stood firm on being Christ the Son of God which they considered blasphemous.

Many of us do not know how to deal with opposition.  We need to understand how human nature works. If we know the motives others have for their actions, we can decide on our reactions. Some people are driven by fear and jealousy of your influence and will want to remove you from any position of power and authority they perceive you to have. They might consider you a stumbling block of their plans and manipulate others through clever schemes that distort the truth. If you understand the driving force behind human behavior you will find it easier to forgive those who work against you and learn not to fall into their traps which are ultimately the devil working through them. Jesus understood the greed in his disciple Judas which led to his betrayal, and he understood the fear in Simon Peter who “the devil had asked to sift like wheat” Luke 22:31.

The way we deal with people tests our faith and displays the depth of our faith. Do not put your full confidence in people because it is easy for them to waver. Stand firm only in the truth from God and choose your reaction wisely.

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"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." - Henry Ford

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