a time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak. Ecclesiastes 3:1-7
Jesus at certain times would withdraw from people and daily life activities to be alone with His Abba Father and pray. Jesus’ silence is how He dealt with the constant demands of His mission. It’s how He prepared for His death on the cross.
In Jesus’ trial, we read that Pontius Pilate tried to acquit Jesus. "So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer" Luke 23:9
Under pressure, Pilate granted the demands of the violent crowd and set free a murderer. Jesus was handed over to the will of the crowd.
Jesus didn’t defend Himself.
The people were loud, Jesus was silent.
What we understand FROM the silence of Jesus.
1. The silence of Jesus in the presence of Pilate makes us think back to what He said previously.
Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words. Luke 24:6-8
2. The Son of Man must suffer and die for our salvation.
But he charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Luke 9:21-22
3. The Messiah had to be a silent lamb.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. Isaiah 53:7
4. Jesus’ crucifixion is the power of God for our forgiveness and redemption.
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:18
Jesus is the Son of God. He is fully God and fully man.
Jesus was crucified by the order of Pilate. Jesus surrendered Himself to His Father’s will.
Jesus Himself is the authority, the ruler, over all life. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Life. No one could take His life from Him. Jesus lay down His life of His own accord, (to die for our sins) as a ransom price for us, His sheep that we may live through Him.
Jesus is The Good Shepherd. He lays down His life for His sheep.
“I am the truth” John 14:6
Standing before Pilate, Jesus is silent. The silence of Jesus has Pilate confused. Blinded that he was he could not see the truth nor hear nor understand it.
Through the moments of passion Jesus keeps His silence.
The silence of Jesus demonstrates His extraordinary strength. He doesn't protest His innocence. He does not resist. His silence is powerful.
When on mission, Jesus spoke. He never stopped to explain.
Jesus never spared the religious authorities when they were unjust. But now, Jesus was silent…
And in the words of Jesus, I quote John 10:18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord…
Silence is a trust in God.
Silence is a waiting in God.
Always knowing that God can and will!
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