PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 15:1-5
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate.
“You have said so,” Jesus replied.
This brief response of Jesus seems underwhelming.
The literal wording is ‘you have said’, which is not clear.
Is Jesus saying yes, or only that Pilate is saying it?
Despite the many accusations, Jesus does not defend himself.
I see this as part of the Jesus Way, not playing our games.
We use words to attack, to embellish, to defend, to hurt.
Jesus allows his deeds to speak for themselves.
Pilate is amazed because Jesus does not act ‘normally’.
This makes me think how we handle unfair accusations.
How do christians respond when attacked or misunderstood.
As for me, and it seems the church too, we play the games.
We use words to attack, to embellish, to defend, to hurt.
This is not the Jesus Way, not the way that Jesus reigns.
PRAYER
Lord, your way seems weak, yet it is the way you reign with God’s power. Teach me how to respond like you.
“But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.” I’m sure Pilate expected Jesus to grovel or make last minute appeals etc. But Jesus stayed calm. Or maybe Pilate expected Jesus to do something miraculous because I’m sure Pilate has heard about Jesus activities and wonders before. Yet Jesus stays quiet. For Jesus, I’m sure the human temptation to strike out and flare out with power – power I know He had – power that Satan wants Jesus to use to ruin Jesus mission. That constraint on Jesus part is what amazes me. Jesus had the power, but instead he submitted to this mockery of Justice! How many innocent believers suffer today because of injustice – just because they admit to being followers of Jesus?!! Lord Jesus – thank you for not lashing out – for bearing all the wrong – to the cross – you did it for all who believe in you – including me!
Our actions speak louder than our words. And as His followers, we must walk as Jesus did. How do I act toward outsiders? My conversations need to be also seasoned so that I may know how to answer everyone.
When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.