The Power of Silence in the Face of Accusation

By Romina Chevren

“Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, 'Are you the king of the Jews?' 'You have said so,' Jesus replied. When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, 'Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?' But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.”—Matthew 27:11–14 (NIV)

When I was a kid, there was a day I'll never forget. It started with a missing cookie from the kitchen, a simple treat that mysteriously vanished. Suddenly, all eyes turned to me, the likely suspect. "Did you take the cookie?" my family asked, their voices filled with suspicion. I felt a rush of emotions—confusion, frustration, and a twinge of fear.

Desperate to clear my name, I ran to my grandmother, the person I trusted most to believe me. "I didn't take it, Grandma," I pleaded, eyes wide with innocence and earnestness. She looked at me with her wise, gentle eyes and spoke words that, at the time, I didn't fully understand but would never forget. "In times of accusation, it's often better to keep quiet and let the circumstances clear themselves."

Her advice puzzled me, yet I decided to heed her words. All day I resisted the urge to argue or prove my innocence. My grandmother's wisdom proved true. My little cousin confessed. The circumstances had cleared themselves, and my innocence was revealed without my having to say a word. That taught me a valuable lesson about patience and trust in the truth.

Reflecting on this childhood memory, I’m reminded of a profound example from the Bible (found in today’s passage), which displays a remarkable display of strength and dignity as Jesus stands trial before Pontius Pilate. Accused by the chief priests and elders of being the king of the Jews, Jesus faces interrogation and scrutiny from the Roman governor. Yet, in the face of false accusations and unjust treatment, Jesus responds with silence.

As we reflect on this passage, we’re reminded of the importance of standing firm in our convictions, even in times of adversity. Like Jesus, we may encounter moments when our beliefs are challenged, our character is questioned, and our integrity is tested. In those moments, may we find strength in the power of silence, trusting in the truth of who we are and whose we are.

Jesus' silence serves as a profound example of humility and self-control. Despite being falsely accused and unjustly condemned, Jesus refuses to defend Himself or retaliate against His accusers. Instead, He entrusts Himself to the will of the Father, submitting to His divine purpose with grace and dignity.

In a world that values self-promotion and self-defense, Jesus' example of humility and submission is countercultural. It challenges us to resist the temptation to assert ourselves and fight for our rights and, instead, to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.

Ultimately, Jesus' silence before Pilate foreshadows the greater silence He would endure on the cross. In His death, Jesus would bear the weight of our sins and suffer in silence, offering Himself as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of humanity. Through His silence, Jesus demonstrates His love and obedience to the Father, paving the way for our redemption and reconciliation with God.

Likewise, when we’re tempted to argue or defend ourselves, we can learn from Jesus' example. By choosing silence over confrontation, we create space for reflection and discernment, allowing wisdom to guide our actions. Instead of reacting impulsively, we can pause, pray, and consider the best course of action. In doing so, we cultivate a spirit of humility and grace, fostering peace and understanding in our relationships.

Trust in God's providence and stand firm in your convictions, even in the face of opposition. May we find hope and strength in the knowledge that, through Christ's sacrifice, we’re made whole and reconciled to God.

Pause: Take a moment to pause and reflect on Jesus’ example of standing trial before Pontius Pilate. Consider the restraint He exhibited in the face of false accusations and intense scrutiny. Reflect on times in your own life when you’ve been tempted to argue or defend yourself in similar situations.

Practice: Practice the discipline of silence when faced with conflict or accusation. Instead of reacting impulsively or engaging in futile arguments, choose to remain silent, as Jesus did. Use this time of silence to pray for wisdom and discernment, asking God to guide your words and actions.

Pray: Heavenly Father, as we reflect on Jesus’ example of standing trial before Pilate, we’re reminded of His quiet strength and wisdom in the face of adversity. Lord, grant us the grace to emulate His restraint and humility when tempted to argue or defend ourselves unjustly. Help us to trust in Your plan and seek Your guidance in all things. May we find peace in knowing that Your wisdom surpasses all understanding. Amen.