PrintToday's "Moment with Mark" (118)
23 March, 2013
Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "Yes, it is as you say." Then the leading priests accused him of many crimes, and Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to say something? What about all these charges against you?" But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate's surprise. (Mark 15:2-5)
The man standing before him was beaten and bloodied but much worse awaited him if he was handed over to the execution squad. I can imagine Pilate slowly, silently walking around the prisoner and then, to cut to the chase, Pilate asked Him directly if he considered Himself to be the King of the Jews. I guess this question was asked because if Jesus answered "Yes", that answer had political implications.
Suddenly the Jewish leaders were in full voice. Their accusations flew thick and fast. Every voice spoke of the prisoner's guilt. No one questioned this unanimous verdict. Pilate must have watched the prisoner carefully as the prosecution brought its case with fury and venom.
Jesus said nothing.
This fascinated Pilate. He had, no doubt, presided over situations like this one more times than he could remember. But this was probably the first time the accused made no defence. "Pilate asked him, 'Aren't you going to say something? What about all these charges against you?' But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate's surprise".
There are times when we need to remain silent. Especially when the temptation to speak out is almost overwhelming. Jesus will speak. But not yet. Years later, James, the Lord's half brother wrote, "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry"(James 1:19) Sometimes our response tends to be the reverse; we are quick to speak and slow to listen.
There is power in silence. Our critics can be unnerved by our silence. Of course, our silence can also give us the opportunity to evaluate the truth or otherwise of the accusations brought against us.
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