Jesus was silent during His trial. However, He wasn’t completely quiet. He broke His silence several times. He reminded the religious authorities that He lived His life openly for everyone to see. He hid nothing from anyone. He was an open book. He answered Pilate when the latter asked Him if He was a King. Jesus never said that He was even though in other places in the New Testament He is proclaimed as the King of Kings. In churches, we have hymns singing of His Kingship. However, Jesus always made it clear that it was the accusers who claimed that He wanted to be a King. It is a curious thing which demands some reflection. However, it won’t be done in this space for now. Jesus did say that His Kingdom was not of this world. Therefore, He wasn’t a king according to the definition of this world. He was a different kind of king. Jesus had a different understanding of power. Pilate represented the Roman Emperor and yet, he was helpless when it came to doing what was right. Pilate was the perfect example of worldly power. He was good at abusing his authority but very weak in implementing what was right and good. This hasn’t changed today. Power and authorities seem to be helpless and restricted when it comes to doing the just thing. Many times they don’t even know what is justice means. They are too occupied with pleasing people. Pilate spoke a lot but got nothing done in terms of justice. Jesus, in His silence, established a Kingdom which is still alive today.
Jesus was silent in the face of the accusations. This silence really goes against our human nature. We are always trying to defend ourselves. We put a lot of stock in our words. We think our words could change things but Jesus chose to remain silent. The religious authorities were very eloquent in their deceitful arguments. The crowd willingly believed their twisted lies. They took what was good and distorted it into something evil and wicked. Today we use a term quite frequently to describe such tactics; gaslighting. The fact we have a word for this reveals that what the religious leaders did was something which is part of our human nature.
The religious leaders were provoking Jesus. They wanted Jesus to be become just like them. They wanted Jesus to say things that would win the crowd over to His side. They wanted Him to become a people pleaser. The religious leaders were not interested in the Truth. They were interested in gaining the approval of the people, the civil authorities and respect of the masses. Jesus was not going to stoop down to their level. He wasn’t going to submit to their mindset. Actually, He spoke against the dangers of this mentality.
For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Mark 8:36
Jesus wasn’t going to use His words to sway the opinion of the people. He wasn’t going to use His healing powers to win the approval of the people. He wasn’t going to succumb to the temptation of the devil. Jesus chose to be silent.
Silence in itself is not virtuous. There are many who are silent because of cowardice and indifference. Even among the crowds at the trial and crucifixion of our Lord, there were many who were silent because of fear. However, at the foot of Cross, there were disciples who were silent because they never had a voice in society. In other words, they were a people who were silenced. These were the women and a certain young disciple, John, who must have been a very young teen according to tradition. They stood silently by our Lord. They did not expect our Lord to speak. They just wanted to be with Jesus. Their hearts were filled with despair because they were losing Him. However, never once did they demand that He speak. It wasn’t necessary. They knew who Jesus was and is. They knew that He had earned His right to be silent.
The accusers and mockers of Jesus did not stop even at the Cross. They provoked Him to say something in His own defense. However, no one really said what they expected Him to say. Perhaps they wanted Jesus to promise them things that they desired. Perhaps they wanted Jesus to be their personal servant. Perhaps we should ask ourselves this question too whenever we question God’s silence. Many times do we ask where God is in times of pain and suffering. Often times we ask God to answer for His absence whenever grave injustice is done. We question God which is understandable. However, what do we want Him to do exactly? Are we expecting Him to do our will? Jesus had no need to answer His accusers and mockers. He wasn’t going to change for them nor do anything to gain their approval. He healed the sick. He brought hope to the hopeless. He received those who were rejected. He loved those who were hated by society. He already revealed to the people who He was and still is. There was no need for Him to defend Himself. There is a lesson for us who like to put too much stock in words. We should seek to follow the example of our Lord and earn our right to be silent. Words can be twisted to mean many things. Our Lord’s life remains eternally present. Seeking to live our lives eternally like our Lord is better than learning to speak eloquently. Jesus was victorious in His silence.
Our Lord’s silence judged the world. The verdict was not anything that would be expected of the kings and politicians of this world. No wonder Jesus refused to be acknowledged as a king. He is nothing like the authorities of this world, then and today. His verdict would be scandalous even today. It might provoke a lot of hatred among religious people of today. Jesus was falsely accused. He died in the place of a murderer. He was betrayed by his close friend. People made a mockery of His suffering. He had the right to do away with this despicable people and yet His judgement was plain and simple,
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
Any judge or politician or priest who advocates forgiveness in this broad and generous manner will be rejected and hated today. These words are comfort only to those who seek the Truth revealed in our Lord. For these, He has one final thing to say;
“It is finished!”
Jesus has lived a full and complete life transcending all time and space. It is a Life which sought to build treasure in places where thieves cannot steal nor rust can destroy. This is the Life He offers to us. This is the Life which would truly satisfy us. It is not a Life which the world understands. The world will provoke and mock this Lifestyle. Nevertheless, it is the only one which would fulfill our souls. The women and the young disciple at the foot of the Cross were filled with despair but they did not realize that Jesus hung on the Cross to overcome despair. And He did!