Modeling Righteous Defense

Scripture: Then the chief priests accused him of many crimes, and Pilate asked him, “Why don’t you say something? What about all these charges against you?” But Jesus said no more, much to Pilate’s amazement. Mark 15:3-5

Observation: Jesus answered one question before Pilate ... when asked if he was the "king of the Jews", he answered yes. However, for every charge stated against him, Jesus doesn't answer, and doesn't even explain to Pilate why he won't respond. Pilate is amazed by this - that Jesus could have so much self control that he would remain silent in the face of legal and character attack - and eventually determines Jesus is in fact innocent partly because of his control.

In this way, Jesus models faith in the fact that only God can judge his heart, his character, his motives, and his sins. He has no reason to answer earthly accusations, because God knows he truth. The only question he answers - is he Messiah? - is in fact a heavenly question, based on God's promises. Otherwise, human questions that attack his righteousness before God have no reason to be answered.

Application: I have stood falsely accused in life, and chosen not to answer. This week my wife was very falsely accused of an act, and did not answer. And I can guaranteed that, for both of us, circumstances will arise again whereby someone with evil intent accuses us of issues, and we will again have to find the strength to not respond, but instead surrender our judgment to the Lord with confidence in heavenly - but perhaps not earthly - outcomes.

Jesus should show us all that engaging in a defense of accusations, brought by earthly motives and lying actors, are to be ignored. It may even come to pass that unbelieving humans take actions based on such accusations that cost us in earthly terms ... even unto death for Jesus himself ... but that is no reason to engaged. God will defend us, and he will defend us in a manner that is important in his kingdom, and in eternity, which is far more important than earthly status, reputation, or even life.

Prayer: Lord, as the psalmist said today, I publicly declare that you will always rescue us. My faith is only in you, and not in any earthly construct. I love you, my Lord and my God and my Savior. Amen.