Author: James Shum, Pastor, Chinese Presbyterian Church of Oakland
60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he was silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.(Mark 14:60-65, ESV)
Jesus stood in front of the high priest and the members of the Sanhedrin listening to their false accusations. He was in absolute silence. He did not defend himself. He looked so poor and helpless. Everyone was gazing at him, waiting to hear his words of defense. But Jesus did not open his mouth at all. Those accusations sound so strong they thought Jesus was going to lose the battle. There was no ground for him. The congregation was amazed at his silence. Jesus was not a weak person nor was he powerless. He knew who he was and his strong stance proves he is able to defend himself from those false accusations. Yet he was delivering a sermon in silence, a sermon without words which deeply engraved into the heart of those present and also for those who read his story today. This silent sermon reflects the following ideas. First, the truth stands forever and does not need any proof. We know that the sun rises from the east and we do not need any proof. Movement of the heavenly bodies has their orbs that prove they are acts of God. Why we need to prove that Jesus is the Son of God? Second, God gives us a conscience and free will to choose the right from wrong. You may accuse Jesus or accept him as your Lord and Savior. Third, God is “I Am” but people do not believe in that, even the high priest took that confession “I Am” as the grounds to sentence Jesus to death. Jesus is “I Am” do you believe in Him?
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The ISAAC 2009 Lenten Devotional, edited by Rev. Dr. Johnson Chiu. This devotional was written by Asian American English ministry leaders and pastors in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. To purchase, click here: Road of Suffering, Road to Glory: A Lenten Adventure with the Savior
