The posture of the lamb

In the final days before the cross, everything escalated. Accusations. Betrayal. Humiliation. And in the middle of it all stood Jesus, silent. Isaiah 53:7 foretold this: 

“He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.” 

Isaiah 53:7 (NLT)

Not forced, not defeated, but choosing the path of surrender.

As Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians, 

“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave…he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross”. 

Philippians 2:6-8 (NLT)

As we approach Good Friday this Easter, we are invited to pause and reflect on the posture Christ took: one of humility, not retaliation; one of sacrifice, not self-preservation. 

This doesn’t mean we are called to be victims or allow ourselves to be abused – these things are sinful and grieving to God (you can read more on the PeaceWise website about the special case of abuse). Rather, it is about cultivating the heart of a peacemaker: a willingness to prioritise humility and love above winning an argument or proving we are right. Colossians 3:12 articulates this beautifully;

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”.

Colossians 3:12 (NLT)

This Easter, consider: how can you adopt Christ’s posture in your relationships? Where might you be able to choose humility, restraint, and a peacemaking instead of insisting on our own way?