WISDOM FOR LIVING DAILY DEVOTIONAL
MAY 28, 2026
TOPIC: EMULATE CHRIST’S MEEKNESS
BY T. O. BANSO
“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation His justice was taken away, and who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth” (Acts 8:32b-33 New King James Version).
The primary word for meekness in Greek is prautēs, and the adjective “meek’ in Greek is praüs, denoting “strength under control.” Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines meekness as “A calm temper of mind, not easily provoked.” A meek person is not weak. He is only refraining from using his strength or power.
Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary differentiates between meekness and weakness, saying that meekness is “an attitude of humility toward God and gentleness toward men, springing from a recognition that God is in control.” It explains further: “Although weakness and meekness may look similar, they are not the same. Weakness is due to negative circumstances, such as lack of strength or lack of courage. But meekness is due to a person’s conscious choice. It is strength and courage under control, coupled with kindness.” This highlights that, rather than being a form of weakness, meekness is actually power and courage kept under control.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5 New King James Version). Jesus was a perfect example of meekness while on earth. He says in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (King James Version).
The Bible says that Jesus was denied justice and remained calm. He was led like a gentle lamb to the slaughter, and He didn’t resist His accusers. He was the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the whole world. “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation His justice was taken away, and who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth” (Acts 8:32b-33 New King James Version). The passage was quoted from Isaiah 53:7-8. Jesus was meek, not weak.
During His arrest, Peter, trying to defend Jesus, cut off the ear of Malchus, the servant of the high priest, with a sword (John 18:10). But what did Jesus say? “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” (Verse 11 New King James Version).
Matthew also records the incident and records the response of Jesus this way: “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” (Matthew 26:52-54 New King James Version).
Jesus wasn’t making an empty boast. He demonstrated meekness: strength and courage under control, coupled with kindness. He didn’t pray to God to send legions of angels to protect Him and His disciples. Meekness says, “God is in control, and I’m not going to help myself even when I can.”
Jesus didn’t support what Peter did. He knew His time of crucifixion was near, and He had told His disciples this repeatedly. Therefore, He didn’t use His power to prevent His arrest. Responding to the use of the sword by Peter, Jesus said, “Permit even this” (Luke 22:51). He then touched Malchus’ ear and healed him. He showed him kindness, which is part of meekness. Meekness is strength and courage under control, coupled with kindness. Meek people exercise restraint in the use of their strength or power out of kindness for a greater good. They don’t seek revenge or react in ways that worsen the situation.
During His trial, Jesus didn’t put up a strong defence. He allowed the Jewish leaders to have their way. Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” (John 19:10 New King James Version). But Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin” (verse 11 New King James Version).
We can hardly find anyone who had the kind of power that Jesus had and would keep silent when His enemies were determined to kill Him (Matthew 26:63; 27:12, 14; Mark 14:61; 15:5). But Jesus was meek. He refused to use His power even at the point of death.
On the cross, while He was being humiliated, Jesus remained calm. He didn’t fight back; He didn’t curse those who plotted His death and put pressure on Pilate to approve His crucifixion, even when Pilate had said he found Him innocent of the charge.
1 Peter 2:23 says that when He was reviled or insulted, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to him who judges justly. Jesus’ response on the cross was, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34 New King James Version). Emulate Christ’s meekness.
That was what Stephen, the first Christian martyr, did. He emulated Christ’s meekness as he was being stoned to death. He didn’t call down thunder and fire. He didn’t ask God to avenge his persecution. He knew God was in control of his life. Calling on his Saviour, the Lord Jesus, to receive his spirit, he knelt and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin” (Acts 7:60b New King James Version). After this, he fell asleep – he died.
Colossians 3:12 says the elect of God should put on meekness along with tender mercies, kindness, humility, and longsuffering. Meekness (gentleness) is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). Cooperate with the Holy Spirit to produce this fruit in your life. Emulate Christ’s meekness. Remember that meekness is strength and courage under control, coupled with kindness. Develop a calm temper of mind that is not easily provoked. Let your strength be under control, and be kind. Pursue meekness (gentleness) (1 Timothy 6:11).
TAKE ACTION!
If you are not born again, you must give your heart to Jesus now. Please take the following steps: *Admit that you are a sinner and you cannot save yourself, and repent of your sins. *Confess Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. *Renounce your past way of life – your relationship with the devil and his works. *Invite Jesus into your heart. *As a mark of seriousness to mature in the faith, start attending a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching, and Bible-practising church. There, they will teach you how to grow in the Kingdom of God.
Kindly say this prayer now: O Lord God, I come unto You today. I know I am a sinner, and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me, and God raised Him on the third day. I repent of my sins and confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I invite Jesus into my heart. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me and making me a child of God.
I believe you have said this prayer from your heart. Congratulations! You must join a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching, and Bible-practising church where they will teach you how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon. May you grow into Christ in all things and become all God wants you to be. I will be glad to hear from you. The Lord be with you.
PRAYER POINTS: Holy Spirit, I will cooperate with You to produce in my life meekness, which is a fruit of the Spirit. Help me to develop a calm temper so that I will not be easily provoked. Help me keep my strength and courage under control, and be kind. Father, help all Your children to be meek as Christ was on earth.
(For over 900 in-depth and powerful messages by T. O. Banso, visit www.cedarministry.org).
T. O. Banso is the President of Cedar Ministry International, Abuja, Nigeria.
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