Today’s Reading, Mark 15-16
Focal Scripture: Mark 15:5 “But Jesus still did not answer, and so Pilate was amazed.”
When I was younger in my Christian walk I was very passionate. I was also very combative with those who didn’t think the way I did about Jesus. On one hand my passion allowed me to share Jesus with many people whether they wanted to hear about him or not in the moment. Unfortunately, my combativeness and bluntness also turned many people away. I have learned through the years that silence and asking questions goes a lot further than being a know it all.
In today’s reading Jesus is before Pilate and he is asked a very simple question. Pilate asks Jesus “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus responds with “You say so.” Then the religious leaders begin to accuse him of many things and Pilate asks Jesus another question “Aren’t you going to answer.” However, Jesus was silent and did not respond at all to any accusation or question. His silence amazed Pilate.
What does this response from Jesus tell us? Silence is powerful. Defending yourself is not always the right thing to do even when it is warranted. If anyone could have spoken up and defended themselves perfectly it would have been Jesus. He allowed the religious leaders to lie and to accuse him of falsehood and blasphemy. Jesus stoic and powerful silence was a testimony to his heart and his mission.
This means that we don’t always have to have the last word. When we are being accused we often need to become less and not defend ourselves in our flesh. Silence often speaks louder than any defense or argument we can give for ourselves and to others.
I hope you see what Jesus demonstrated for us in our walks. He wants us to be bold and defend the faith. However, he also wants us to be silent and allow the haters to do what they do against us everyday. This has been a lesson I have learned first hand the last 18 months. I have wanted to defend myself against outright lies and deceit. People who make accusations that are untrue and unfounded about why I left a ministry position. Why have I been silent? To tell the truth would cause more damage and pain to a community of faith and young believers than is necessary. I have learned that my integrity and my silence is the greatest testimony against deceit and sin.
Trust Jesus great example and know he will handle everything in the end.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Luke 1
