A Closed Mouth

The most powerful examples of meekness in the crucible come from

Jesus. When He said to come and “learn of me; for I am meek and lowly

in heart” (Matt. 11:29), He meant it in ways we probably can’t imagine.

Read 1 Peter 2:18–25. Peter is offering some surprising advice to

slaves. He describes how Jesus responded to unjust and painful

treatment and suggests to them that He has left them “an example,

that you should follow His steps” (1 Pet. 2:21, NKJV). What prin-

ciples of meekness and humility in the crucible can we learn from

Jesus’ example, as expressed here by Peter?

It is terrible to watch someone else treat another unjustly. And it is

extremely painful when we are on the receiving end of such treatment.

Because we normally have a strong sense of justice, when injustice

occurs, our instincts are to “put things right” while holding on to what

we believe to be a righteous and just anger.

It is not easy to live meekly. It is perhaps impossible unless we

embrace one critical truth—that in all unjust situations, we must

believe that our Father in heaven is in control and that He will act on

our behalf when it is according to His will. This also means that we

must be open to the possibility that like Jesus, we may not always be

saved from injustice. But we must always remember that our Father in

heaven is still with us and in charge.

Peter’s advice, modeled on Jesus’ life, is surprising because it seems

that silence in the face of unjust suffering is a greater witness to the

glory of God than “putting people right.” When questioned by Caiaphas

and Pilate, Jesus could have said a lot of things to correct the situation

and to justify Himself, but He didn’t. His silence was a testimony to

His meekness.

How do you deal with situations in which you have been treated

unfairly? How can you better apply some of the principles looked

at here today to your own life?