Mark 15:3-5 (KJV)
And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
When Jesus was brought before Pilate the Jews came with Him to make many accusations. Pilate may have heard the name of Christ before but it is obvious that this whole incident was sprung in him. Imagine all of the voices bringing one accusation after the other against Christ and to Pilate. He would not have been overwhelmed but he would have been struck by it.
And then it was Jesus’ turn to speak. He is presented with the opportunity to defend himself. He has no crowd of witnesses to corroborate His words. He is alone and He remains silent. Jesus did not practice the modern concept, “he best defense is a good offense.” Pilate urged Him to answer for Himself but when Jesus was silent still, Pilate marveled.
Many years ago I travelled to Springfield MO to present a missionary for national approval. This missionary and I had worked through many things including an issue with a pastor who had taken up an offense against him. We thought we had resolved the offense but when we arrived in Springfield we learned that this pastor was there he planned to attempt to prevent his approval as a missionary and he had brought other pastors to support his attempt.
- I was stunned
- The missionary was stunned
The missions committee was also blindsided, later telling me that they had never had a pastor attempt to block a missionary before
The missionary and I sat in the meeting silent as this pastor laid out his arguments, his support sitting resolutely behind him. When the accusations were finished I chose to remain quiet (and led the missionary to do the same). We answered the questions we were asked but we did not defend ourselves. Later one of the pastors serving on the missions committee thanked me for handling a very delicate situation with discretion. The missionary was (eventually) approved.
When faced with many varied and false accusations the best defense is silence. Let God defend you in His own way.
To my reader:
When was the last time Jesus came to your defense? I would love to hear from you. Leave comments below.
For this and more than 3000 earlier Daily Visits with God visit Marvin McKenzie’s blogger page. There you will find daily visits going back to 2006.
Mark 15:3-5 (KJV) The Best Defense
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