The Lord is Silent

Mark 14:55-61a The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. 57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.’” 59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree. 60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 61a But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.
 
DO you wonder why Jesus didn’t speak to defend himself? Let’s consider this: Have you ever spoken plainly and truthfully about something, and no one believed you? Perhaps you have repeatedly attempted to counsel someone to overcome a problem. They have asked for help. But they have not taken your advice to heart. What did you do? Likely, you stopped talking. More words were fruitless.
   Jesus had come to preach the fruit of the Kingdom of God, but the majority of the ruling Jews rejected all he had said. From the first time Jesus entered Jerusalem, their sole purpose was to kill him. Jesus was essentially done speaking to them because they had never listened to him.
   Once again, we stop to remember who controls these events. The LORD God Almighty is directing the persecution against Jesus, so that Jesus will ultimately be glorified in his resurrection. Jesus waits to give the one answer that will cause his persecutors to act.
 
The Son of Man Speaks
 
Mark 14:61b-62 Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
 
Jesus’ first answer is, “I am.” He reveals the absolute truth that he is the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One. Jesus’ accusers know he is claiming to be the Son of God, who will establish his throne on earth.
   The Jews should have been overjoyed. Through the prophet Daniel, God had told the Jews such a Messiah would appear: Daniel 7:13 “I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
    The Jews could not accept this. They pretended to want to know, but they only wanted a reason to kill him.   
   When you open your Bible or hear a sermon, and the Spirit tells you something you don’t want to hear, remember who is talking. Pray for a listening heart. Welcome God’s truth that will draw you closer to the Christ, the Son of the Living God.