He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. ~ Isa 53:7
by Linda Veath
I don’t know about you, but when I’m ridiculed, accused, or chastised I find it very difficult to keep my mouth shut. I usually defend myself, sometimes not so nicely, often doling out as much or more than what I have been receiving. That’s why I am always in awe when I think about Christ’s silent suffering.
Falsely accused of many things, including blasphemy, He offered no response. Questioned and mocked by the chief priests and even Herod, He made no reply. Slapped, beaten, crowned with thorns, and laughed at. No response. Stripped of His clothes, naked, shamed. Still no response.
Yet, He did speak at times during His arrest and trial.
“Are You the Christ?” Yes.
“Are You the Son of God?” Yes.
“Are You the King of the Jews?” Yes, He said, knowing full well that He would suffer for His candor.
Powerful statements. Surrounded by a powerful silence.
But Jesus willingly bore that ridicule, pain, and suffering without protest, so He would be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. So we do not have to remain silent.
Yes, the Lamb of God was silent in His suffering so we can freely proclaim Him, Jesus, the Son of God, as our Savior. The King of Kings. The Risen Lord. Forever.
Amen.