8 Ways Jesus Was Falsely Accused

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This article is part of the Dance of Life Devotional. Download or get your copy of this great resource by going here.

Perhaps one of the clearest themes we see in the gospels is that of the conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities of His time, the Pharisees and scribes. On numerous occasions the gospels document not only the incessant and unfounded accusations these people laid against the Savior, but also what drove these accusations: their desire to murder Him out of spite and jealousy.

This is why Jesus famously tells the Pharisees in John 8 that their father is the devil, because they had boasted about their physical lineage to Abraham yet were spiritually owned by Satan and lusted to do his will of hatred and murder.

So today I want to offer you 8 examples from scripture of Christ being falsely accused, so that we can marvel at God’s patience and mercy. While the wicked were accusing Him and planning to kill Him, God was still sustaining every breath they took which is a profound thought to consider.

Examining Christ’s life is also important for us as believers, because false accusations are a part of the Christian life. Jesus says in John 15:20 that a servant is not greater than his master, and that if they persecuted Him then we are to expect the same. He also reminds us in the beatitudes (Matthew 5) that we are blessed when people revile and persecute us on account of His name, for so they did with the prophets.

In Acts 5:41, the disciples rejoiced after being released from their interrogation, for they had been counted worthy to suffer on account of Jesus’ name. Why this is important is that suffering confirms our election, and that God is conforming us to the image of His Son who suffered greatly. Nobody will suffer like Jesus suffered, but suffering is part of the Christian life. The reassurance we are given is that God works all things for the good, (Romans 8:28-30) and that means that people accusing us falsely just like they did with Jesus is a sign that we are on the right track with our faith.

So take heart, and take the following examples into your own life. It is amazing what Jesus was accused of, but in surveying these examples we can have greater clarity in our own challenges.