The unjust treatment of Christ in his trial should lead us to think through some things for our own lives, namely that proving our innocence cannot be our greatest quest—even in times of relational conflict. We certainly may need to clear up the truth, but our greatest obligation must be to honor the Lord God in the process; especially because he may not grant the outcome of being declared innocent in the matter.
This is very difficult for us when there is rejection from others, especially if it’s coupled with false accusation, which it typically is to some extent. This is why the Apostle Peter supplied helpful instruction for dealing with these types of situations—1 Pet. 3:16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right (and are completely innocent) rather than for doing what is wrong.
If you are slandered (lied about) due to living for Christ and yet respond with goodness, the slanderer will be put to shame, not you. But if you take matters in your own hands, then you too will incur shame. Notice v.17 supplies the reason for v.16—God wills suffering (he’s in control of it) and if that occurs due to being faithful to him, that’s better than suffering due to disobedience. Innocence before God is the most important status you can achieve. Christ received unjust treatment despite being completely innocent and as 1 Pet. 3:18 says, he was the just who suffered for the unjust.
When the Innocent One was Declared Worthy of Death
