1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.
2 "Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate.
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of."
5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.
Have you ever tried to convince someone of something different when they had a made up mind? How did you do? My guess would probably be not very good! My Mom says: “He, who is convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still!
This scene takes place before the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin (the highest Jewish tribunal during the Greek and Roman periods) just prior to the crucifixion. It would be an understatement to say that they already had a made up mind! They wanted Jesus gone – out of their way – out of their lives.
I love Jesus’ response to Pilate’s question – “Are you the king of the Jews?” – The King James Version renders His answer: “Thou sayest it” – in modern vernacular – “Bingo! It is indeed as you say!” Unfortunately, for Pilate’s sake, he does not believe the Truth standing before his very eyes nor does he believe His words.
Again, the chief priests begin accusing Jesus of many things yet He makes no reply. Keep in mind, one word from His mouth could have annihilated them. One word from His mouth and myriads upon myriads of angels were at His disposal. He created those peons accusing Him and now He was getting ready to die for them. What loving restraint! He was not going to change their hearts and minds through discourse; His goal was to change their hearts and minds through action. Believers – we should take note of this! The Cross – the highest example of love ever shown to mankind – the call for all who believe! God comes down to man humbling Himself by taking on human flesh, Deity with skin and bones, lives a perfect life, and becomes the perfect Sacrifice giving back to those who believe, the friendship, fellowship, and forgiveness with God that Adam enjoyed in the beginning. What love is this!
Jesus’ lack of response not only demonstrates His loving restraint, it perfectly fulfills prophecy. Isaiah tells us:
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Isaiah 53:7 (NIV)
Jesus also tells us in Matthew:6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. Matt 7:6 (NIV)
When seeking to help someone we must exercise care on what would be beneficial to the hearer. Jesus knew no amount of discussion would change their hearts and it would trample what is sacred. So many times we are more concerned with just being right than in winning lost souls. It is NOT about us – it is ALL about Him. Jesus knew who He was – we too, as believers, should realize that we are children of the King and behave as such! We do not need to prove our “royalty” with words – we need to manifest our “royalty” by loving actions. That is how our Savior did it and as John states:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 (NIV)