THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:53-61
“But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.” (Mark 14:61)
I have a hard time holding my tongue when I feel I’m being treated unfairly.
When a situation shows me in a poor light, I am quick to defend myself.
The harder I try to defend self, the guiltier I look.
Jesus seems to be a peace within Himself, to have a healthy self-awareness.
He knows that self-defense will not change their intention to kill Him.
Instead of stumbling with self defense, He lets them stumble with accusation (v.59).
Why am I so quick to defend myself, to make myself look better or justified or right?
It is because deep within I do not have peace within myself.
I need to learn to entrust my defense to God, Who knows my heart.
I know I am guilty in some ways, and I know I am genuine or good in others.
But I am not the one to judge, God is my Judge, He will speak truth on my behalf.
“I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:3-5)
I need to stop boosting my ego by defending my actions, it doesn’t help anyway.
My hope is not in convincing God or others that I am right, or justified, or good enough.
My hope is in God’s mercy, Who knows my heart, and is the only one Who can judge me accurately.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, Your words and actions speak for themselves, no human defense was needed. In my case, no human defense will help. Help me to trust Your mercy, and not my own flawed attempts at self-justification.
Observations/Application
His adversaries wanted quick judgement – get Him away. They even met during the night time in order to judge Jesus, something contrary to their own law. A cover up in the darkness? We can’t see?
And all the while Jesus remained quiet.
They broke their own rules and even had false witnesses.
They hoped that He would self incriminate. They pressed Him but He did not say a word. They could not thwart God’s purpose. He was victorious.
He suffered willingly for my sake.
Strengthen my faith Lord and help me stand up in my trials that I may never forsake Your ways.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.