Jesus was (and is) the greatest example of meekness.
Peter gave this description of Jesus, “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” The night that Jesus was betrayed, Judas lead an armed mob to arrest him. They were carrying swords and clubs because they knew that Jesus was a man of great power. Listen to John’s account of the arrest, notice how Jesus’ power was displayed.
John 18:4-6: “4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.” At that moment, Jesus was totally in control of the situation. He could have walked away, but instead he submitted His power to the Father’s will. In meekness, Jesus put the Father’s will before His own. Peter was not so inclined. He tried to take things into his own hands. Listen to Luke’s account of the exchange between Peter and the mob that night.
Luke 22:49: “49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them [referring to Peter] struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.” It took far more power for Jesus to hold back and submit to God’s will than it took impulsive Peter to pull out a sword and cut off that man’s ear. Peter was acting naturally, but Jesus was acting supernaturally. Jesus demonstrated power under God’s control. He could have destroyed them all and simply walked away, but He chose to follow God’s will instead… and He even healed the ear of a man taking Him into captivity. Paul said in Philippians 2:8 that Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” —
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