Mark 15:1-5
“Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “You have said so,” Jesus replied. The chief priests accused him of many things. So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.“
Mark 15:1-5 NIV
It is often said, Silence is Golden. However, in the text before us, silence is also glorious. It is glorious because, ultimately, Jesus’ silence was gracious. His silence had everything to do with our salvation. His silence gives us the power today to boldly cry, Abba, Father even when we experience the pain of evil and injustice.
Injustice abounds in our very fallen and broken world. In some way, each of us has or will experience it. Racism, classism, police brutality, and misuse of authority by the powers that be are some of the more visible and obvious injustices.
In the text before us, we see examples of some of these. But here we also encounter the kind of injustice that perhaps each of us has or will encounter, false accusations and malicious slander.
Such injustice is hard to swallow. Rather than merely gulping down the verbal abuse, we’d rather open our mouths and speak up in self-defence. There may be a place for that, but not always. Sometimes, the best defence is no defence. Sometimes, silence is louder than words.
You see, Jesus was silent because He was submissive to the plan of the triune God. We see Jesus submitting in silence precisely because He had submitted His soul to the Father in Gethsemane. He acquiesced to the trial because of His victory in the previous trial in Gethsemane while having wrestled in prayer with the Father.
Have you ever tried to convince someone of something different when they had a made up mind? How did you do? My guess would probably be not very good. I heard it said, He who is convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still.
I love Jesus response to Pilate’s question. Are you the king of the Jews?The King James Version renders His answer. Thou sayest it, in modern vernacular. It is indeed as you say. Unfortunately, for Pilate’s sake, he does not believe the Truth standing before his very eyes nor does he believe His words.
What follows is another sham trial and another travesty of injustice. Jesus was condemned to die by the Jewish high council and the high priest along with his priestly conspirators. Pilate had to approve of the execution because the Jews could not carry out that sentence without Roman approval.
About the only truth that came out of the trial was Jesus' acceptance of Pilate's title for Him, King of the Jews. Jesus is the King appointed by God. He will be recognized at God's time and in God's way. He is still the reigning King of God's people.
Keep in mind, one word from His mouth could have annihilated them. One word from His mouth and myriads upon myriads of angels were at His disposal. He created those peons accusing Him and now He was getting ready to die for them. He used loving restraint.
He was not going to change their hearts and minds through discourse. His goal was to change their hearts and minds through action. Believers we should take note of this. The Cross is the highest example of love ever shown to mankind and the call for all who believe.
God came down to be a man, humbling Himself by taking on human flesh, Deity with skin and bones. He lived a perfect life, and became the perfect sacrifice giving back to those who believe, the friendship, fellowship, and forgiveness with God that Adam enjoyed in the beginning. There is no other love greater than this!!!
Father, thank You for this day and according to Your promise and Your plan, Jesus is King. We gladly accept Him and praise Him as our King. Lord,let Your abundant blessings rain down from the windows of heaven upon my friend and family today. Lord, You will reign on David's throne forever and ever. Lord, thank You that Your sacrifice reveals Your immense love for everyone despite our rebellion. Lord, today we give You thanks and praise for this free gift of salvation that is open to whosoever will come. Lord, use us to boldly proclaim this Truth to all today.Father, we love You. Amen !
Comentarios