Bullied

And the chief priests and the scribes heard this, and began seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for all the multitude was astonished at His teaching.

Mark 11:18

The eight-inch deep snow along the shoulder of the road was starting to seep through my thin boots. The five-mile walk home from my junior high school was bone-chilling and exhausting. But it was worth every frigid step. Anything was better than encountering the bullies on the bus again. I was too afraid to tell anyone. I’d deceived my mother that morning in order to miss the bus, but I couldn’t continue doing that. So I hardened my heart and the next morning stepped onto the bus, and rode it in misery the rest of my 8th grade year. I longed to be rescued, but I was too afraid to tell anyone. No one came to my rescue.

Nick Vujicic is the perfect target for bullies. He was born without arms and legs. As a child he was constantly taunted by his classmates. Like me, he didn’t tell his parents. Nick, a strong follower of Jesus, learned through the years to ignore hurtful comments. He has a worldwide ministry helping teens overcome peer pressure.

“Bullying is superior power wielded by an individual or group for unjust reasons and in unjust ways.” (Paul Coughlin)

Bullies are cowards.

The Pharisees were cowards.

The Pharisees feared Jesus because of His authority. They plotted to have Him killed. Jesus was bullied beyond anything Nick, I, or anyone else can comprehend. The Anointed One, our Savior, was reviled and beaten mercilessly, nearly to death. Yet—He never lashed out. He was not a victim. He asked His Father if there was any other way, but He chose to endure the horrific torture and death on the cross because of His intense love for you and me. He came to our rescue!

When we are bullied, Jesus understands exactly how we feel.

Thank You, Jesus.

Karen Sims