Lent with the Early Church Fathers Day 36

Day 36

Lent with the Early Church Fathers

A daily post from Tom Bandy 

Based on Day by Day with the Early Church Fathers (Eds. Christopher D. Hudson, J. Alan Sharrer, and Lindsay Vanker: Hendrickson Press, 1999) 

A lamb to slaughter 

Origen 

It was a surprise, even to ordinary people, that someone who was accused and attacked by false testimony refused to protect himself. He was able to defend himself and to show that he was not guilty of any of the alleged charges. He could have listed the praiseworthy deeds of his own life and his miracles done by divine power in order to allow the judge to deliver a more honorable judgment concerning him. But, by the nobleness of his nature, he condemned his accusers. Without hesitation, the judge would have set him free if he had offered a defense. This is clear from his statement, “Which of the two do you wish that I should release to you, Barabbas or Jesus, who is called Christ?” and from what the Scripture adds, “For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.”  

Jesus, however, is continually attacked by false witnesses and, while wickedness remains in the world, is continually exposed to accusation. Yet, even now, he remains silent in the presence of these things and makes no audible answer. Instead, he places his defense in the lives of his genuine disciples. They are an outstanding testimony, one superior to all false witness, that refutes and overthrows all unfounded accusations and charges. 

TGB: “Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?” The silence of God today is consistent with the silence of Jesus before Pilate. It is not for God to justify himself. He awaits courageous disciples who will step forward in defense of God’s mission. And their testimony is not in words, but in deeds.