Word@Work 186 - Mark 14:60-61a
Published: Tue, 08/12/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 14:60-61a Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. (NIV)
The right to silence has been enshrined in many of the world's legal systems, but not in Jesus' day. The High Priest's question had a more commanding edge, more like, "You are going to answer these accusations!" The bullying tactics of the kangaroo court were met by a wall of divine silence. Jesus had no intention of defending Himself against liars, logically to strip out the prosecution case, line by line. After all, He had come to die for liars: He loved them so much that He knew they could not be saved by Him saving His own life. Remarkable!
In those days, the person who was silent at the end of an argument, was the looser (there was nothing more to say to challenge the opposing ideas). But here, there really was nothing more to say! Not because Jesus was in the wrong, but because Isaiah had already written Is 53:6-7. God had said it ... it was now for Jesus to do it! Silently to go to slaughter, like a lamb.
The ranting of self-important people in public against God, demanding His response - is often disappointed. God is economical with words, when He has spoken, he does not need to repeat Himself, because His Word lasts for ever. Our popular press may applaud the self-appointed guardians of atheism, forgetting that God has already spoken, and that Jesus loves them. That is why He had to die for them! Often those who are most abusive are really frightened that the gospel might be true. So don't hide from them, come out into the open and as they pour their venom - quietly tell them that Jesus died for people just like them! Whatever they say, they have no real answer until they welcome Jesus in repentance and faith.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know that you love those who hate me for Your sake, so help me not to be afraid as I tell them that You love them. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
The right to silence has been enshrined in many of the world's legal systems, but not in Jesus' day. The High Priest's question had a more commanding edge, more like, "You are going to answer these accusations!" The bullying tactics of the kangaroo court were met by a wall of divine silence. Jesus had no intention of defending Himself against liars, logically to strip out the prosecution case, line by line. After all, He had come to die for liars: He loved them so much that He knew they could not be saved by Him saving His own life. Remarkable!
In those days, the person who was silent at the end of an argument, was the looser (there was nothing more to say to challenge the opposing ideas). But here, there really was nothing more to say! Not because Jesus was in the wrong, but because Isaiah had already written Is 53:6-7. God had said it ... it was now for Jesus to do it! Silently to go to slaughter, like a lamb.
The ranting of self-important people in public against God, demanding His response - is often disappointed. God is economical with words, when He has spoken, he does not need to repeat Himself, because His Word lasts for ever. Our popular press may applaud the self-appointed guardians of atheism, forgetting that God has already spoken, and that Jesus loves them. That is why He had to die for them! Often those who are most abusive are really frightened that the gospel might be true. So don't hide from them, come out into the open and as they pour their venom - quietly tell them that Jesus died for people just like them! Whatever they say, they have no real answer until they welcome Jesus in repentance and faith.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know that you love those who hate me for Your sake, so help me not to be afraid as I tell them that You love them. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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