Power in Silence

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Scripture:

John 19:8   Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever.  9 He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.  10 Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?”  11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”  12 From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.”

Observation:

There were so many things that Jesus could have said in response to Pilate — but he says nothing. There is no need for words for they are powerless. Jesus in his silence was living into kingdom power. What God was going to accomplish in and through him was far greater than any words which could be spoken. Real power was at work. Temporary human power from position couldn’t compare to what would be unleashed in Christ’s death. The silence was filled with divine power.

Application:

it is in our humanity that we want to fight back with words. When we are offended or someone has misunderstood a particular situation we believe that we need to speak up and set things right by our words. What would happen if we followed the example of Jesus Christ and kept our mouths shut? Jesus’ life and actions unleashed the power of God. The power of God is revealed in and through us by our actions and not necessarily our words.

It’s Good Friday and our journey will lead us to the foot of the cross. Don’t try to explain it. Keep your words to yourself. Simply kneel down before our Lord and experience his power at work.

Be still.

Listen.

Don’t speak.

In the silence kingdom power is unleashed and we are set free.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your incredible gift. There are no words.  Amen.


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