Amazing Strength

Pilate raised his left eyebrow as he watched Jesus.

Nothing. He was saying absolutely nothing.

Jesus was bound, hands and feet tied together tightly, and  he looked particularly haggard. Dark circles were etched under his eyes, but his steely resolution held fast in his gaze.

Pilate found it particularly intriguing.

When Pilate asked him if he was the king of the Jews, much to the displeasure of some, Jesus only answered, "You have said so."

From then on out, the chief priests accused Jesus of many things, some terrible, some a little far fetched in Pilate's mind. One particularly large man with spit accompanying each accusation was red faced as he pointed at Jesus.

Time for him to speak to Jesus again. Pilate held up one hand, effectively silencing the spiting priest. Standing, he slowly walked to Jesus, the soles of his sandals making tap-tap noises on the floor.

He was a reasonable man; He would let Jesus have a chance to defend himself. Spreading his hands out before Jesus, he spoke, "Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.”

Jesus lifted his head, and looked straight into his eyes. For a moment, Pilate thought he would say something.

But the words never came.

Based on Mark 15:1-5

"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people." Isaiah 53:7-8

This is a prophecy in the book of Isaiah about Jesus. A prophecy that He fulfilled when he stood before his accusers.

Completely silent.

"But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed." Mark 15:5

He didn't defend Himself. They said terrible, false things about Him. I don't know about you, but when people say junk about me, I want to defend myself. I want to march up to that person, look them in the eye, and give them what for.

Just because I'd never be brave enough to do that has nothing to do with my point.

Friends, take a moment here to consider the strength our Lord displayed in that trial. Anyone else would have cried wolf. He kept silent, knowing that this defamation of His character would continue to lead to His death.

And eventually our salvation.

Today, consider another facet of Jesus' strength, and His unyielding love for you.

V. Joy Palmer