What other Bible passages show Jesus' composure under false accusations? Opening Snapshot: Mark 14:60 “Then the high priest stood up before them and questioned Jesus, ‘Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?’ ” (Mark 14:60) • In the swirl of lies, Jesus stays poised, fulfilling His Father’s plan with measured calm. Isaiah’s Foreshadowing of Calm “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.” (Isaiah 53:7) • Centuries before the cross, Isaiah predicted that Messiah’s response to injustice would be silence and surrender, not panic or retaliation. • Mark 14:60 is the living picture of this prophecy. Facing the Sanhedrin Again – Matthew 26:59-63 “Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus… But Jesus remained silent.” (selected from Matthew 26:59-63) • Multiple witnesses contradict one another; the Lord refuses to dignify their lies with heated rebuttal. • His composed silence underlines His confidence in the Father’s timetable and truth. Before Pilate – Matthew 27:11-14 & John 18:33-38 Matthew 27:14: “But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.” John 18:37-38: “‘You say that I am a king,’ Jesus answered… ‘Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.’ Pilate asked, ‘What is truth?’ ” • He speaks only what serves truth, nothing for self-defense. • Pilate’s surprise highlights how unusual such composure is in a Roman courtroom. • Jesus’ few words draw the conversation toward eternal reality rather than personal vindication. Silence before Herod – Luke 23:8-11 “Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.” (Luke 23:9) • Herod wants entertainment; Jesus refuses to cheapen His mission. • Even when mocked and dressed in a robe, He remains steady, handing the moment back to Pilate without protest. Composed Even on the Cross – Luke 23:34-43 • Verse 34: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” • Verses 39-43: Calm conversation with a repentant thief, promising paradise. • Instead of lashing out, He extends forgiveness and hope—serene, others-focused to the end. Earlier Ministry Accusations – Mark 3 & John 8, 10 • Mark 3:22-23 – Charged with working by Satan’s power; He responds with simple, logical parables, not anger. • John 8:48-49 – Called demon-possessed and a Samaritan; He calmly honors the Father and lets truth speak for itself. • John 10:20-21 – More “demon-possessed” slurs; His miracle of sight stands in quiet refutation. Apostolic Commentary – 1 Peter 2:21-23 “When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate… but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” • Peter, an eyewitness to the trials, distills Jesus’ composure into a model for every believer. Living It Out Today • Trust God’s justice; silence can be stronger than self-defense. • Speak only what aligns with truth and edifies others. • Offer forgiveness rather than retaliation, echoing the Savior’s calm on the cross. |
    |