Keeping Quiet—Sometimes!
Opening Prayer
Jesus, give me the wisdom to react rightly in my various life situations.
Read Mark 14:53–65
[53] They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. [54] Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. [55] The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. [56] Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. [57] Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: [58] “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.'” [59] Yet even then their testimony did not agree. [60] Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” [61] But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” [62] “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” [63] The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. [64] “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death. [65] Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Have you ever been falsely accused? How did you respond? This illegal religious trial was held at night before Jesus was handed over to the Romanauthorities, who alone could carry out the death penalty. The Sanhedrin comprised 71 elders,lawyers and religious leaders who believed they had the power to judge rightly. The testimoniesgiven were false and no two witnesses could agree with their statements. Jesus had never said hewould destroy the Temple building.Faced with such false evidence Jesus remained silent. But when asked, “Are you the Messiah,the Son of the Blessed One?” he answers, “I am.” Jesus attributes to himself the very descriptionthat God gave of himself to Moses (Exod. 3:14).We are familiar with the “I am” claims of Jesus recorded in John’s Gospel—especially “I am theway and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). The torture that follows is the response of those withearthly authority towards the Creator, Upholder, Savior and Judge of the world (see Col.1:15–20). We can learn from Jesus when to speak and when to be silent, but we don’t have theright to judge Jesus, only to yield to his power and might.This illegal religious trial was held at night before Jesus was handed over to the Romanauthorities, who alone could carry out the death penalty. The Sanhedrin comprised 71 elders, lawyers and religious leaders who believed they had the power to judge rightly. The testimonies given were false and no two witnesses could agree with their statements. Jesus had never said he
would destroy the Temple building. Faced with such false evidence Jesus remained silent. But when asked, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” he answers, “I am.” Jesus attributes to himself the very description that God gave of himself to Moses (Exod. 3:14). We are familiar with the “I am” claims of Jesus recorded in John’s Gospel—especially “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). The torture that follows is the response of those with earthly authority towards the Creator, Upholder, Savior and Judge of the world (see Col. 1:15–20). We can learn from Jesus when to speak and when to be silent, but we don’t have the right to judge Jesus, only to yield to his power and might.
Apply
Think about your upcoming day. In what ways can you yield to Christ and his plans?
Closing prayer
Forgive me, Lord, when I try to tell You what to do, rather than yielding to Your will and power.
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