He answered nothing

Matthew 27:12

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

Matthew 26 and 27 gives us the wonderful and unparalleled story of the love of a Savior, who was willing to come to this earth, in order that He might die and become the Redeemer of mankind. So many amazing things are said and done here. It is worth reading over and over again for the Christian, so that, each time they read, it may fill them anew with gratitude and surrender to their Savior. For the Lord Jesus, from the Garden of Gethsemane, to Golgotha, to the grave, did all with grace and obedience to His Father’s will. Love was on display. Never did such sorrow and love become mingled into one cup. Yet Jesus took all this upon Himself, knowing that He would be forsaken by His disciples, and have to die alone, even with the Father forsaking Him. It was necessary that He be estranged and severed in that moment so that He, as the Savior of the world, could bear the weight of sin upon Himself. We know that He became sin for us. It is exceedingly enriching and transforming to ponder over these truths. Please do that for a moment.

But what I would like to take your mind’s attention to is the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate the governor. He was handed over to the secular authorities by the Sanhedrin. The religious leaders—the Scribes, Pharisees and elders—wanted Him crucified and persuaded the multitude to ask Pilate to release Barabbas rather than Jesus. Barabbas rather than Jesus! Let that sink in! A murderer, a thief, an insurrectionist was delivered from punishment so that the sinless Son of God could be delivered to death. There is no logic or sense in such a thing, but this is exactly how it was ordained to happen from the foundation of the world. Christ would die in our place. Christ would die in my place, and even in the place of Barabbas, and the thieves hanging on the crosses next to Him.

Now, while Jesus stands for trial, witnesses are called. Many witnesses come to the stand, hurling their accusations at Jesus. Of course, they are all false witnesses, because no truthful witness could ever convict our Lord. So they were all false, one right after the other. And the incredible truth here is, that Christ never answered a word. He never defended Himself. He never sought to vindicate or exonerate Himself, although He could have. He had put the Pharisees and Sadducees to silence before. He knew the truth, and could have argued His case better than any lawyer in the world. But He chose not to do so. He remained silent, never controverting a single thing said to Him or about Him.

Now, my brethren, we learn a most important lesson from our Lord today. It is the principle of silence. Because, you see, if Christ did not answer for Himself and defend His position, there are times where we must follow that same pattern. Are there instances where we must defend our faith and our position and our actions? Yes, there are! But are there times when we must learn to hold our peace and say not a word? Yes, there are! We are quick to defend ourselves, and often jump immediately upon any accusation and seek to erase it and expunge it instantaneously. Oh, but my friends, can we not learn from the Master? Sometimes, the Lord fights for us! We must be silent! We must give our back to the smiters. We must allow them to think what they will and say what they will. And let it go! You are here for another purpose, a transcendent one. You are here not to exonerate yourself, but to show Christ to others. Do you have the spirit of Christ when accused? Let us ask that the Lord will give us a great spirit of humility and grace when we find ourselves in any similar situation. And, no doubt, in His time He shall bring the truth to light.

“Dear Lord Jesus, You are our most wonderful and precious Savior. And, as our Savior, You are our leader, guide, counselor, and example. You have set the example. You have outlined what the paradigm is. Often, we are unwilling to follow. But may our lives, from this point forward, exhibit the attitude and spirit and love and patience of Christ in all that we do. It is certainly against our minds to do so, and it runs counter to our sinful nature. But, with Your help, we want to act as Christ would act. And if we are accused, may we pause and consider how our Lord might handle a similar predicament. And as we consider that, bestow upon us Your wisdom on how to respond or to keep from responding. And may our example serve to point others to You. We ask these things in Christ’s name, Amen.”