PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 14:60-65
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.” (Mark 14:61)
I try to imagine myself in this situation; could I remain silent?
When I am attacked or accused, I right away go into defence mode.
Either I will defend myself, or I will counter-attack my accuser.
Jesus seems weak by remaining silent, but it really takes great strength.
There is wisdom in Jesus’s silence that I can learn from.
When someone is attacking or accusing me, their minds are made up.
Anything I say will only be used against me.
Silence is a hard defence to overcome, and it can be unsettling.
It also prevents me from saying something I will later regret.
Jesus let his life and teaching speak for itself.
He remained calm, trusting in God, committed to loving his enemies.
I do not have this strength of Jesus, but I do want to grow in it.
My hope is to reflect the quietness of trust and rest in Jesus.
It may not change those around me, but it will speak louder than words!
PRAYER
Lord, I do not have your strength to remain calm and quiet, but I do want it. May your Spirit breathe peace and gentleness in me, and may it speak louder than words!
Jesus is silent until they asked him to confirm if He was the Messiah. Then Jesus breaks silence and responds: “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then they accuse Him of blasphemy and they ‘blindfold’ him. It left me wondering why? Could they not look Jesus in the eye? Were they really afraid with all their bravado -Matthew records that after they had blindfolded him they spat on him and hit him with their fists. By blindfolding Jesus did they think they could hide what they did from Him? No I want to see Jesus – I want to see me – not as I am with sin but cleansed and made whole! He made that possible for me – thanks be to God!
Actions speak louder than words. This passage also reminds me of the words – If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Silence in situations like this is golden by holding my tongue. God has given me strength in the past to be a good listener, keeping my words to myself to diffuse the situation. It is only by His leading and guidance that this can happen. He is my strength and song.
1 Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone.
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.
2 Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet.
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hungry ones with manna sweet.
3 Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious truths which you impart.
And wing my words that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.
4 Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very hearts o’erflows
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.
5 Oh, use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as you will, and when, and where
Until your blessed face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.