Date: 05-08-2020

Title: The Power of Silence

(S) cripture:
    Matthew 26:59-64 (ESV) Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.'” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

(O) bservation:
    The religious leaders were looking to put Jesus to death and so they were seeking something to charge him with. False witness after false witness came and Jesus remains silent to their accusations. Finally two came that agreed and when the high priest asked for a response Jesus remained silent. The high priest then commanded Jesus to answer and tell them if he was the Christ, the son of God. Jesus answers by telling the high priest that the high priest had it right when he said so.

(A) pplication:
    Jesus never took the bait of the false witnesses by trying to defend himself. By keeping silent Jesus gave the religious nothing additional to use against him. When finally accused by two witnesses the high priest shows his frustration by commanding Jesus in the name of God to answer. Here we see the power of silence. I wonder how often I have taken the bait and responded too quickly rather than remaining silent. Responding too quickly can lengthen the argument and raise the level of conflict. When I remain silent the venom of accusation will finally fade and dissipate. It simply runs out of energy. Silence also lets me hear the full scope of accusation. This is not a means to avoid admitting when I am wrong or receiving correction. Today I do not want to be so quick to engage in defending myself. I want to listen and then allow the Lord to bring resolution to the conflict. Where I am wrong, I want to make things right. When wrongly accused I want to remain silent and trust the Lord to work his will and plan for me.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, help me to hold my tongue, be quick to listen, make amends when needed and to trust you to work in every situation and circumstance. Amen