Enduring Lies: Leadership Lessons from Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus’ Innocence Amidst False Accusations

Though Jesus was perfect and innocent, He was still falsely accused and lied about by those around Him.
Even as the Son of God, Jesus faced relentless accusations and slander, especially during His trial as recorded in Matthew 27. Judas, the religious leaders, and Pilate all recognized His innocence, yet lies were still sought and spread to justify His execution. This reality reminds us that even the most blameless among us can become targets of dishonesty, and that truth is not always enough to prevent falsehood from taking root. In a world where lies can be weaponized, especially within communities of faith, we are called to remember the example of Christ, who endured such injustice with steadfastness and grace. [04:45]

Matthew 27:4, 24 (ESV)
4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.”
24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”

Reflection: When have you witnessed or experienced someone being falsely accused, and how did you respond—did you seek the truth or remain silent?

Day 2: Lies Often Come from Within the Community

Lies and opposition can arise from those closest to us, even within the church.
The pain of dishonesty is often magnified when it comes from those we trust most. In Jesus’ trial, it was the religious leaders—insiders to the faith community—who orchestrated the false testimony against Him. Similarly, in times of ministry transition or church conflict, the most damaging lies may come from fellow believers, not outsiders. This reality can be shocking and deeply hurtful, but it is not new; it is a pattern seen throughout Scripture and church history. Recognizing this helps us prepare our hearts and respond with wisdom and perseverance when betrayal comes from unexpected places. [06:03]

Matthew 26:59 (ESV)
Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death.

Reflection: Is there someone within your faith community you need to forgive or seek reconciliation with because of hurtful words or actions?

Day 3: Responding to Lies with Integrity and Restraint

Not every lie requires a response, but sometimes defending truth and relationships is necessary.
When lies swirl, especially in seasons of transition or conflict, the instinct may be to defend oneself at every turn. However, wisdom often means letting many accusations go unanswered, trusting God to vindicate in His time. Yet, when lies begin to damage the reputations and relationships of others, or threaten the unity of the church, a clear and gracious response may be needed. In such moments, responding with integrity, humility, and a commitment to truth can protect the body of Christ and honor those who serve faithfully. [28:42]

Proverbs 18:13, 17 (ESV)
13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you need to prayerfully discern whether to speak up for truth or quietly entrust the matter to God?

Day 4: The Pain and Perseverance of Suffering Lies

Enduring lies and slander is painful, but perseverance and fixing our eyes on Jesus is our calling.
Being lied about can cause deep wounds, strain relationships, and make us question our calling or place in ministry. The suffering that comes from false accusations is real and can be overwhelming, especially when it comes from those we love or serve alongside. Yet, Jesus Himself endured such suffering, setting an example for us to follow. In these moments, we are called to persevere, to keep our eyes on Christ, and to trust that He sees and knows the truth. Our faithfulness in the face of lies becomes a testimony to the sustaining grace of God. [20:54]

Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can keep your focus on Jesus today when you feel misunderstood or unfairly criticized?

Day 5: The Enemy’s Role in Division and the Call to Unity

The devil is the father of lies, seeking to sow division, but we are called to unity and love.
Behind the swirl of dishonesty and accusation is a spiritual battle; the enemy delights in sowing discord and mistrust among God’s people. Lies can fracture relationships, erode trust, and hinder the mission of the church. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to resist the enemy’s schemes by pursuing unity, believing the best about one another, and seeking reconciliation. By anchoring ourselves in truth and love, we can withstand the attacks of the enemy and reflect the heart of Christ to a watching world. [09:16]

John 8:44 (ESV)
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life where you need to intentionally pursue unity and resist the temptation to believe or spread negative assumptions?

Sermon Summary

Jesus stands as the ultimate example of leadership—founder, builder, reformer, and the only perfect, infinitely wise man. Yet, despite his innocence and the good he brought, he was relentlessly attacked, especially through lies. At his trial, as recorded in Matthew 27, everyone involved—Judas, the religious leaders, and even Pilate—knew Jesus was innocent, but that did not stop the search for false testimony. The most sobering aspect is that these lies came not from outsiders, but from within the religious community itself. This reality is a warning: even the most faithful leaders will be lied about, and often the most damaging attacks come from those closest to us.

In our current age, the epidemic of lies has only intensified, especially with the amplification of social media. Lies spread faster, reach further, and inflict deeper wounds. Every significant Christian leader I know has faced this, and it is not new—Jesus himself endured it. The pain is real, and the damage to relationships and ministries can be immense. Sometimes, the lies are so persistent and so widely believed that they threaten to define a season of ministry, as happened during the transition at First Baptist. The lies ranged from personal attacks on my character and history to wild accusations about church leadership and motives.

Most of the time, the wisest course is to leave lies unaddressed, trusting God to vindicate and focusing on the mission. But occasionally, when the damage to relationships and reputations becomes too great, a clear and public response is necessary—not for self-defense, but to protect the innocent and preserve unity. Even then, some will continue to believe the falsehoods, driven by their own hurts, insecurities, or misplaced loyalties.

Ultimately, the call is to persevere, to keep our eyes on Jesus, who endured lies and suffering without retaliation. The pain of being lied about is real, but it is not the end. God sees, God knows, and God is able to sustain and vindicate his servants. The challenge is to endure, to love even those who wound us, and to remain faithful in the face of dishonesty, trusting that God’s truth will prevail.

Key Takeaways

1. The Innocence of Jesus and the Reality of Lies Jesus was completely innocent, yet he was subjected to relentless lies and false accusations, especially from those within the religious community. This reveals that no amount of integrity or faithfulness can shield a leader from slander. The experience of Jesus sets a precedent: if he was lied about, we should not be surprised when it happens to us. Our response must be shaped by his example, not by our desire for vindication. [04:45]
2. Lies Often Originate from Within, Not Without The most damaging lies frequently come from those inside the community of faith, not from outsiders. This is both sobering and instructive, reminding us that betrayal and dishonesty can arise from those we trust most. It calls for discernment and a deep reliance on God, rather than a naive expectation that Christian community is immune to sin. The pain is sharper, but so is the opportunity for Christlike endurance. [06:03]
3. The Amplification of Lies in the Modern Age Social media and digital communication have weaponized dishonesty, making lies more pervasive and destructive than ever before. The speed and reach of falsehoods can overwhelm even the most robust defenses, and the temptation to respond to every accusation is strong. Yet, wisdom often means choosing silence, trusting God to defend our reputation, and focusing on the mission rather than the noise. [08:00]
4. When and How to Respond to Lies While most lies are best left unaddressed, there are times when the damage to relationships and the church’s unity requires a clear, public response. This is not about self-justification, but about protecting the innocent and preserving the integrity of the body. Even then, not everyone will be convinced, and some will persist in believing what they want to believe. Our responsibility is to act with integrity, clarity, and love, leaving the results to God. [28:42]
5. Perseverance and Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus Enduring lies and slander is deeply painful and can shake our resolve to continue in ministry. The only way forward is to fix our eyes on Jesus, who endured the ultimate injustice without retaliation. His example calls us to persevere, to love those who hurt us, and to trust that God will vindicate the truth in his time. The path of faithfulness is not easy, but it is the way of Christ. [20:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:54] - The Lies Against Jesus
[04:06] - Everyone Knew Jesus Was Innocent
[05:24] - The Search for False Testimony
[06:03] - Lies from Within the Community
[07:22] - The Epidemic of Lies in the Church
[08:00] - Social Media and the Spread of Lies
[09:16] - The Devil’s Role and Human Motives
[11:21] - The Pain of Lies in Ministry
[12:40] - Personal Attacks and False Accusations
[17:17] - The Congregation’s Struggle with Truth
[19:39] - Idols, Suffering, and Perseverance
[22:15] - When to Respond Publicly
[25:41] - The Public Statement and Its Defense
[28:42] - Why a Response Was Necessary
[33:15] - The Spiritual Logic Behind Lies
[44:15] - Enduring Lies and Remaining Faithful

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 27:1-2, 11-26 (ESV) — > 1 When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. 2 And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.
> ...
> 11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” 12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” 14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
> ...
> 24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.

Matthew 26:59-60 (ESV) — > 59 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward...

Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV) — > 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 27, who recognized Jesus’ innocence during his trial, and how did they respond to the accusations? ([04:06])
What actions did the religious leaders take in Matthew 26:59-60 to try to convict Jesus, and what does this reveal about their motives? ([05:24])
In Hebrews 12:2-3, what does it say Jesus endured, and what was his attitude as he faced hostility and lies?
From the sermon, what are some examples of lies that were spread within the church community, and what impact did they have? ([11:21])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that the most damaging lies against Jesus came from within the religious community rather than from outsiders? How does this challenge our expectations about where opposition might come from? ([06:03])
The sermon mentions that even when everyone knew Jesus was innocent, lies still persisted. What does this suggest about the power and persistence of false accusations in Christian communities? ([04:45])
According to Hebrews 12:2-3, how does fixing our eyes on Jesus help us endure suffering and hostility, especially when it comes from those close to us?
The sermon describes times when responding to lies is necessary to protect others and preserve unity. How can a leader discern when to remain silent and when to speak up? ([28:42])

Application Questions

Have you ever experienced being lied about or misunderstood, especially by someone within your church or close community? How did you respond, and what would you do differently after hearing this sermon? ([06:03])
The sermon warns that social media can amplify lies and make them more destructive. How do you personally handle rumors or accusations you see online about Christian leaders or fellow believers? What steps can you take to avoid spreading or believing falsehoods? ([08:00])
When you hear negative things about someone in your church, do you tend to believe the first story you hear, or do you seek out both sides? How can you apply Proverbs 18:13, 17 in your conversations and relationships? ([28:05])
The pastor shared that sometimes the pain of lies can make you question whether to stay in ministry or community. If you are facing discouragement or slander, what would it look like for you to “fix your eyes on Jesus” and keep going? ([20:54])
The sermon says that most of the time, the wisest course is to leave lies unaddressed and trust God to vindicate. Is there a situation in your life right now where you are tempted to defend yourself? How can you discern whether to speak up or remain silent? ([28:42])
The call is to love even those who wound us. Is there someone who has hurt you with their words or actions? What is one practical step you can take this week to show Christlike love or forgiveness toward them? ([20:54])
The pastor mentioned that enduring lies is deeply painful but not the end—God sees and knows. How can you remind yourself of God’s presence and justice when you feel misunderstood or falsely accused? ([44:15])

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Transcript

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