WHY WAS JESUS QUIET?

There are at least three occasions in Jesus’ life in which He was intentionally silent. In each instance, there were good reasons that He held His peace. His “silence” teaches us several valuable lessons.

The first instance is found in Matt. 27:12-14, "And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, HE ANSWERED NOTHING. Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?" But HE ANSWERED HIM NOT ONE WORD, so that the governor marveled greatly." In this example Jesus was on trial for his life. Although he could have defended himself, He was determined to do the will of His Father and face the cross. Moreover, by remaining silent, he fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy - He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet HE OPENED NOT HIS MOUTH; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So HE OPENED NOT HIS MOUTH. (Isa. 53:7) It is also God’s will that we remain silent at times, such as when we are tempted to make rash judgments, lie, gossip, curse or speak evil of others (See Matt. 7:1; Col. 3:9; Eph. 4:29; James 4:11).

The second instance is recorded in Luke 23:8-9. “Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. Then he questioned Him with many words, but HE ANSWERED HIM NOTHING." Although Jesus was still on trial, His refusal to answer Herod was likely based on Herod's motive in questioning Him. Herod was ostensibly more interested in being amused by a miracle or a Solomon-like proverb than in Jesus’ guilt or innocence. In remaining silent, Jesus observed a wise saying of Solomon, "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him" (Prov. 26:4). This is an indispensable lesson for us. How many times have you or I been caught up in an argument with someone that spoke “non-sense”? On such occasions, the only thing we gain by arguing is appearing as foolish as the other person. Wisdom dictates that we "hold our peace" on such occasions.

The third instance is lesser known, but the most remarkable of all. It occurred just prior to Jesus' trial. In Luke 22:63-64 we read, "Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?" As far as we know, Jesus never answered the question. Has it occurred to you that Jesus likely knew the names of those that were striking him? He could have easily shouted out one name after another; and the shamed soldiers might have ceased beating Him. Why was Jesus silent on that occasion? Perhaps the apostle Peter reveals the answer in 1Peter 2:22-23, "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth; who, WHEN HE WAS REVILED, DID NOT REVILE IN RETURN; when He suffered, HE DID NOT THREATEN, but COMMITTED HIMSELF TO HIM WHO JUDGES RIGHTEOUSLY…" This episode teaches an invaluable lesson. Someone has observed, "Every fight begins with a single word." How often have you or I escalated hostilities by speaking rashly in the heat of an argument? Instead of “adding fuel to the fire”, it is better to remain calm and quiet. If we have been wronged or unfairly criticized, it far wiser to allow God to handle matters than to "speak our mind" and start a war.

Jesus spoke as no other man (John 7:46), but He also knew when to keep quiet.  May we follow His divine example.

"He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction." (Prov. 13:3)

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis