Mat 27:12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer.
Mat 27:13 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?”
Mat 27:14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Just like the Jewish chief priest and elders, even the Roman governor Pontus Pilate; everyone has something to testify about Jesus.   Jesus is the brunt of blame when anything goes wrong in America.  It is indeed a mystery as to why Jesus is so hated in the average household, his Name has become an irreverent exclamation mark, “Oh J—– C—–, how could that happen?!” folks will say.    There is a strange irony in this story, the best of men are holding a tribunal against the Judge of all the earth.   The wisest and most respected spiritual men are making audacious claims about the Perfect Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.   Men and women today still do it, people have done this throughout the ages.  I sometimes sit and wonder like Pilate, when I hear people blaspheming his name “do you not hear how many things they are testify against you?”  It’s as if we think, the noblest evidence of God’s power, would be that he would slam his assailing opponents immediately, intellectually and even if necessary, physically!

Never forget, this isn’t our God’s method, his patience is as holy and amazing as is his wrath!  We could actually learn a lot practically from Jesus. How often cannot we wait to jump the gun when we are accused?  There well may be situations when we have every just right to respond to an insult or insinuation with vitriolic self defense, but it may not always require us to give an answer; especially when the claims are outlandish.   In faith Jesus could already see his wrath and justice being completed on their insults, as if the Time of Judgment would happen the next day! (c.f 2 Peter 3:8)

Our Lord here was more than just cool, calm and collective.  Our Lord here was patient in anger, nonplussed with his trolling adversaries, and content in conscience, knowing confidently that all truth and authority were in his power.

As believers, may this be our ammunition for peace; we need to learn to keep our faith, not just our cool.  As unbelievers, please consider this as fuel for further investigation about this one we call – Jesus Christ – who was and is Jehovah God.

SRR

Shannon Rucker

Shannon enjoys counseling, administration, and watching believers grow in knowledge and zeal for Christ. He and his wife Danelle have seven children, he enjoys family time, is an avid sports fan, participates in singing and hospitality with the body of Christ.