silence in His suffering

But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Matthew 27:14

Jesus, even in His silence, was compelling. He refused to answer the absurd accusations of His accusers. His only replay was to Pilate’s question: “Are you the King of the Jews?” Four words from Jesus back to Pilate were His only defense: “You have said so.” Jesus let the raging hate of His accusers just flow on past. He was going to carry even their murderous rage upon Himself all the way to the cross, offering to atone even that outrageous sin.

Jesus was standing at that moment before Pilate exactly as the prophet Isaiah foretold:

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,

yet he opened not his mouth;

like a lamb is led to the slaughter,

and like a sheep before its shearers is silent,

so he opened not his mouth.”

Isaiah 53:7

Jesus,

In Your silence before Your suffering You amazed Your accusers. You amaze me even now. My sinful flesh would want to attack when attacked. I’d demand justice in the face of such false accusation. I thank You that the cross was unfair, Your trials unjust, and Your silence left it all unanswered. You were driven to obey the Father to bring many sons and daughters to glory by Your saving grace. Thank You for Your silence. Thank You for Your suffering. Thank You for Your salvation!

Amen