Can you imagine striking the face of the Son of God with your hand? Yet one Jewish official did just that in the first religious trial held in the house of Annas.

(NASB) John 18:21-22 “”˜Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said.”™

22 When He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying,

“˜Is that the way You answer the high priest?”™”

This official was incensed at Jesus”™ words in answer to Annas”™ interrogation. This man clearly thought nothing of using physical abuse toward a bound prisoner.

How often do I become incensed over something that shows that I am “˜way”™ out of line? Would I ever do what that officer did? Perhaps not physically, but what about words used to put another down?

What do I need to do to become more aware of “˜incensed officiousness”™ in my own attitude?

When a waiter/waitress doesn”™t meet my standards of service, how do I react?

When another driver is rude, how do I react?

When a neighbor encroaches on my property, how do I react?

When “¦ you supply actions that make you exhibit “˜incensed officiousness”™”¦

How did Jesus react to this official?

(NASB) John 18:23 “Jesus answered him, “˜If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?”™”

Jesus used a legal term “˜testify”™ to ask why He was struck”¦notice: Scripture does not record an answer!

Jesus must have been regal as He stood there in that mockery of a legal trial. You and I also can be regal when we are dealt with in less than kind ways. Jesus is our example, He is our hope and He is our strength to withstand unfair conditions.

Jesus said:

(NASB) Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”¦”