The Silence of Jesus

Mark 15:5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.

There are times in our lives when words simply do no good. When someone close to us passes away, words usually do no good to heal the pain. When we’ve hurt someone so badly with our harsh words, more words do not make it better. When faced with horrendous arguments or hostile debates, silence is often the higher road. But in all of those situations, the struggle is to let silence be silence and not to fill it with noise just so we don’t have to face the still, small voice in our heads.

Jesus knew that words would fall on deaf ears as he stood face to face with his accusers. He knew that it was for that very purpose that he was sent to this place. It was necessary that he face this time. And arguing his case would have only made it worse, though it’s hard to see anything worse. Accusations were flying, but Jesus was silent. Fingers were pointed, but Jesus said nothing. The mob was stirred up and demanded blood, but Jesus remained passive.

On this Wednesday before Palm Sunday, we will let Jesus’ silence speak for you and me. No need for more words, except… amen.