In the New Testament, the conduct of Jesus Christ under reviling and reproaching serves as a profound example of humility, patience, and divine love. Throughout His earthly ministry, Christ faced numerous instances of mockery, insult, and scorn, yet His responses were consistently marked by grace and restraint.

Scriptural Instances of Reviling and Reproaching

1. During His Ministry: Jesus often encountered opposition from religious leaders and others who questioned His authority and teachings. In Matthew 12:24, the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Despite such accusations, Jesus responded with wisdom and clarity, addressing their misunderstandings without resorting to personal attacks.

2. The Passion Narrative: The most intense period of reviling occurred during the Passion of Christ. In Matthew 27:39-44, as Jesus hung on the cross, He was mocked by passersby, chief priests, scribes, and elders. They taunted Him, saying, "He saved others, but He cannot save Himself!" (Matthew 27:42). Despite the intense suffering and humiliation, Jesus did not retaliate or curse His persecutors.

3. The Trial Before Pilate and Herod: During His trials, Jesus faced false accusations and was subjected to ridicule. In Luke 23:11, Herod and his soldiers mocked Him, dressing Him in a splendid robe. Yet, Jesus remained silent, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth."

Christ's Response to Reviling

1. Silence and Restraint: One of the most notable aspects of Christ's response to reviling was His silence. In 1 Peter 2:23, it is written, "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly" . This silence was not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of His trust in the Father's righteous judgment.

2. Forgiveness and Intercession: Even in the face of extreme reproach, Jesus exemplified forgiveness. On the cross, He prayed for His persecutors, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). This act of intercession highlights His boundless compassion and commitment to the redemption of humanity.

3. Teaching on Reviling: Jesus taught His followers to respond to reviling with love and blessing. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructed, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me" (Matthew 5:11). He encouraged His disciples to rejoice and be glad, for their reward in heaven would be great.

Theological Implications

Christ's conduct under reviling and reproaching is a model for believers, demonstrating how to endure suffering and injustice with dignity and grace. His example calls Christians to respond to personal attacks and persecution with love, patience, and forgiveness, trusting in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. Through His actions, Jesus fulfilled the messianic prophecies and revealed the character of God as one of mercy and steadfast love.1 Peter 2:23
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judges righteously:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm LXXI.
... the teeth of His disobedient people, reproaching them, because ... come down, but patience
amid men reviling, but that ... way, "wilt thou not that I conduct thee to ...
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Reviling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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