Saying a Lot by Keeping Quiet
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.
9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.
10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him.
11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.
12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other. ”
Luke 23:8-12 ESV Read More
This is it! This is your big chance! You’ll be before mighty politicians, the most notable religious leaders, in the spotlight of the most important city of the day! Do it Jesus!
Can you imagine? Who of any of us are able to resist the glory and attention of the world and instead choose to obey God?
That’s what Jesus was to do here. This isn’t some “take away your powers” move like Clark Kent’s nosebleed at a diner. Jesus still has all of the power and authority that He had when He was raising the dead and “healing everyone in Samaria.”
“But He made no answer.”
Surely there was a sick or injured person in these courtyards. Or they could have sent and grabbed some beggar off the street. But no, Jesus wasn’t playing along. He didn’t even answer their questions.
They were all around Him, vehemently accusing Him, and He didn’t do a thing. This was an even greater obedience than fasting for 40 days.
Sometimes we try to convince somebody of something because deep down, we’re convincing ourselves of it too. Other times we know something with such certainty, such conviction, that we can continue on without a care that any other person believes it.
If you ever needed evidence that you don’t need to share your opinion in every circumstance, or dive into every possible debate on Facebook, let this be your sign. Jesus was given the floor to speak but He stayed silent and He still won.
The score of who was right on this day was going to be fixed. The truth would be obscured and nobody was interested in changing their minds. Jesus knew that His words wouldn’t help these guys into the Kingdom of Heaven, so He kept them to Himself.
Sometimes the best convincing comes from time and silence.