But Jesus Remained Silent

In his novel, “The Trial,” Franz Kafka tells of a man who is accused, tried, and sentenced to death while never knowing what he is accused of, what was said at his trial and why he was condemned to die. In our American culture, this is unthinkable. We have laws protecting us and those who are accusing us are to do so in the court of law. If we can’t afford a lawyer, one is appointed to defend us. We have a jury of peers who sort through the evidence presented and determine whether or not we are guilty – all this before we are sentenced according to our guilt.

Matthew tells us that Jesus was arrested and taken before Caiaphas, the high priest. “The high priest and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death.” Matthew 26:59 Finally a couple of people brought false testimony against Jesus. “Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, ‘Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you? But Jesus remained silent.” Matthew 26:62-63

I wonder why or how Jesus could keep silent. When I’m falsely accused, I want to set the record straight. I want people to understand the truth about me. I might even bring other people into it to defend my integrity. This is a time when I do not want to be silent.

So I wonder again, why did Jesus keep silent and how could He keep silent under those circumstances. Jesus was taken before the governor where the chief priests and elders brought their accusations, and again He gave no answer. “Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge – to the great amazement of the governor.” Matthew 27:13-14 The governor had the authority to set Jesus free. Yet, Jesus did not defend himself.

Jesus was sentenced to torture and death without defense. His friends betrayed Him and abandoned Him. Yet He resolutely stuck to the plan. The author of Hebrews tells us, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

I believe Jesus was silent for at least two reasons: He already knew what the outcome would be and the importance – for the salvation of all humankind. He did not need to defend Himself – He knew who He was. “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.” John 13:3-5 He took on the role of a servant even though all power and authority belonged to Him.

Secondly, He knew that if these people were blind and ignorant enough to put God on trial for ‘pretending’ to be God, no argument would be heard no matter how carefully spoken it would be. If people are not open to hearing the truth and have decided what ‘their truth’ is, they simply won’t be able to hear or accept the real truth. It might be a bit like “throwing your pearls before the pigs.” Matthew 7:6

So what do I learn from this silence? First, I don’t always need to defend myself – in fact sometimes, it is better to remain silent. I know who I am – a child of the Living God – and I can trust my Father to take care of me and, if necessary, to set the record straight. In the end, the truth will prevail. Misrepresenting the truth does not change the truth. How I behave and treat others does not need to depend on how I have been treated. I can choose a loving response: “Father, forgive them because they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

Secondly, I am called to serve – even those who may betray me or accuse me or abandon me. In becoming a servant, like Christ, I am making a way for reconciliation. That seems to me to be where God’s heart is at – helping us to reconcile with others and live at peace and in unity, so the world will know that we are His disciples (John 17). May God give me the strength and wisdom to live out these words.