Resolution of Silence

Every human is born into the captivity of a sinful nature. These horrible chains only become tighter as we struggle to be free from our sin. People have tried every conceivable way to become free from their sinful nature with zero success. God has given us the only plan that, if followed, can lead us into eternal freedom. His plan is “centered” in Jesus Christ. God’s only Son had volunteered to become flesh. Jesus lived as a human who had no sin. 

At the age of thirty three, the sinful humans of His country decided Jesus had to be done away with. The Savior knew that his death would be a terrible way to die. But the Lamb of God had volunteered to die for our sins. Jesus was resolved to face His bloody end with silence. One prophet said: He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Isaiah 53:7 (NLT). 

We are talking about God sacrificing His Son in order to save humanity from eternal pain. Paul said: He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. Rom. 4:25. What does an innocent man say as he pays the price for someone’s freedom from a dreadful prison? The rescuer could say many different things but rarely would a man say nothing at all. Our Savior came to pay the price for our freedom and he had resolved to do it in silence. 

David spoke for our Savior many times in his songs. Look what he said 1000 years before the Savior died. These are his words: …my enemies lay traps to kill me. Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me. All day long they plan their treachery. But I am deaf to all their threats. I am silent before them as one who cannot speak. I choose to hear nothing, and I make no reply… Psalms 38:12-15. Jesus said “I choose” not to hear or say anything. 

His resolution of silence was sorely tested by the hate of others. In spite of everything that happened, Jesus still loves us greatly. John said: But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. 1 John 2:1-2 (NLT). Jesus would not talk to the worldly leaders but He is talking to the Father on our behalf. He is still saying “Father forgive them”.

The Jewish leaders hated Jesus and would say or do anything to get rid of Him. The most hurtful accusations must have been the true ones. For example they accused Jesus of saying that He was the Son of God. When telling the truth is against the Law we are in a very tough spot. The Jewish leaders had a variety of charges that confused the Roman Governor. But even this unbelieving man could find no fault with Jesus. The Savior was truly righteous. 

The Bible records: But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise. Matt 27:12-14 (NLT). The governor wanted to let Jesus go but the religious leaders wanted Him dead so badly that they screamed at the top of their voices. Eventually Pilate gave the order to put the silent Man to death.

Jesus had resolved to silently reach His goal of fulfilling the plan of God. He had to be strong because we are weak. Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness. But …God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever. Heb 7:27-28 (NLT). Jesus went on to win the eternal victory for all of us. His resolution of silence was the completion of the only perfect life ever lived.