Jesus, Who Could Give No Answer

This passage deals with the scene in which the Roman governor Pilate puts Jesus on trial. The Jewish leaders give false testimony and press Pilate in order to have Jesus put to death, and Pilate, fearing a riot, finally hands down the sentence to crucify the innocent Jesus. Through all of this, Jesus keeps silent to the end instead of defending his innocence or pleading his case.

The sermon points out that Jesus' silence was not a mere lack of response, but a necessary choice he had to bear for the sake of God's plan of salvation. Pilate could have made a good decision, but committed sin for his own interest and safety, and Judas, though he regretted what he had done, could not make a spiritual judgment and came to ruin. The crowd too, not knowing the truth, joined with the wicked and shouted for Jesus to be killed, which warns of the judgment that comes when we go along with the crowd without wisdom.

Even amid mockery and pain, Jesus could not explain how his silence would save them. Understanding this heart of Jesus, we must think deeply about how we should answer those who mock us, and what patience and silence are needed for the salvation of souls.