READ
THE
WORD
The Condemnation of Jesus
Mark 14:55-64
55 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 temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’” 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?” 61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, 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.”63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death.
LeARN
AND
REFLECT
Jesus was silent when people proclaimed lies about Him. He knew what they were after, and knew that they had already decided what they wanted. Arguing with people that want a fight or have made up their mind will never help.
Attempting to defend yourself is a natural reaction, but usually is pointless unless the person wants to listen.
When someone comes to you with an accusation or a complaint, it is most helpful to understand what they are after before you engage the concern they express.
Jesus already knew. Asking questions is a great way to understand, so you aren't baited into an argument against an entrenched position.
But refusing to admit the truth when asked is also a trap. The truth is never something to be ashamed of. We feel ashamed when the truth doesn't make us look good, so we go silent: Kids will refuse to speak when directly asked the truth they know will catch them in their error. Jesus only spoke when asked the truth, and he admitted it freely.
Pay attention for when people speak or are silent. It tells you volumes about them. Some are easily baited, while others try to hide the truth with silence.
Where have you been baited?
Where have you hidden the truth because of the consequences it would have?
As we grow in wisdom, we learn that when people sling mud, to let it dry and fall off: responding quickly makes it smear. James 1:5 says "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
God,
I let myself get baited into fruitless argument or I hide the truth with silence at times. I need more wisdom. Give me wisdom as you promised in James. Help me to wisely speak to the problems that arise in my life and spend less time being falsely condemned or hiding from the truth that you want me to walk in - even if it does cost me.
Your promise to make me wise and mature through admitting truth and facing struggles is mine. Give me a courageous heart to do as Jesus did: Answer fearlessly when it is right, and stand silently when being baited. Most importantly, help me to see it when it comes.
Amen.
