Over the past week and a half we’ve talked a lot about the silence of God between the old and new testaments. This morning, I wanted to bring out attention to another portion of scripture that, in some ways, mirrors the silence of God.
In the middle of an accusation, in Mark chapter 14 Jesus first response is silence. I find this striking because Jesus could have showed the high priest that He was the true High Priest by opening the skies to heaven, but instead of a defense Jesus said nothing.
Profound. Powerful, too.
A few years ago, I heard two students arguing in the after school program I directed in the teen room. Just as things were getting tense, I heard one of the boys shout, “JUST SAY LESS!” The other student followed him as he took his seat, accusing him of something that had to do with a girl. But, no matter what was said, he didn’t budge. He kept silent. It seemed he had found power in not defending himself.
I think of that situation often because, at such a young age, that student knew he hadn’t done any of the things he was being accused of doing with that girl. He didn’t need to defend himself or his character, so He took his power back but not over-communicating. In the rest of Mark chapter 14, we see that Jesus matched the hateful inquiries with silence. When he finally spoke, the response was only to the future and not to His ultimate identity.
The lesson for us is, we serve a Savior who He was because He was with God from the very beginning. God’s silence in the old testament and Jesus’ silence here in the new testament are critical. Sometimes we don’t need any explanation from God about who He is because the future promises are the greatest indicator of His character and faithfulness. Sure, like Jesus, people will misunderstand your character, your mission, and ultimately your call, but maybe we should all say less, and when the time for understanding comes, God will make all things known.
And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” But He kept silent and answered nothing.
Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”
Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?”
And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.
Then some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers struck Him with the palms of their hands.