Matthew 27:12-14 (NIV): When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge–to the great amazement of the governor.
Jesus refused to get involved in unproductive conversations. To defend Himself at this juncture would not have moved the plan forward. The things that He had said to this point in His trial had simply been twisted to be used against Him – His accusers couldn’t even hear the truth behind them, so there was no point in mounting a defense. The process had been set in motion; it was God’s will, and so Jesus was silent. It had nothing to do with so-called meekness, but simply with waiting while events ran themselves out.
We as God’s people, have been instructed to always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks the reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15), but there are times when we are also instructed to not cast our pearls before swine. It takes discernment to know when each is appropriate. But we need to understand that it was not fear or meekness in the face of a threat that silenced Jesus – it was trust in His Father. The time for speaking had passed; He now simply relaxed into the arms of God and let His Father carry Him through the next several hours, to accomplish His will through Him.
Father, thank You for the example of Jesus. Help me, today and every day, to move and even to speak at Your command. To open my mouth freely to teach others of Your love and grace, but to be silent in my own defense when that is the most appropriate. Amen.