Have you ever witnessed stunning silence?
By this, I mean a quiet kind of beauty--something or someone stunningly amazing because of their silence?
When I think of stunning silence, I picture something in nature...watching snow fall at night through the street lights or staring at majestic Mt. Rainier during a sunset drive home from work.
I'm usually not stunned by the silence of human beings. About the only example of this I can think of right now is watching a baby sleep.
More often, people are praised for their words. When you think about many of the people who are considered great or great leaders, they're usually great speakers--think President Obama, Ronald Reagan, Martin Luther King, Jr. Or think of great actors and singers--people continually in the public eye known for using their mouths exceptionally well.
But did you know Jesus was stunningly silent?
As I read today's passage, I noticed this wording about Him, as He stood before Pilate facing false and downright crazy accusations:
Pilate asked again,
"Aren't you going to answer anything?
That's quite a list of accusations."
Still, he said nothing.
Pilate was impressed, really impressed.
Wow.
I think there's something I can learn from Jesus in this situation. How many times have I opened my mouth, engaged in a debate, or gotten defensive--when I should have just stayed silent?
Don't get me wrong--I don' t think silence is always the right solution (and neither did Jesus for that matter).
But in this case, silence was evidence of strength. Jesus could have chewed Pilate out. He could have won a debate hands-down. He could have called lightening to strike Pilate and his palace. By staying silent, Jesus showed Pilate (and others) His strength--Jesus was intent on His mission. He wouldn't detract from it, though He would have had every right to. Now that's impressive.
Tomorrow: Luke 1
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