Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, the demeanor of Jesus during His trials and crucifixion is marked by a notable absence of pleading or self-defense, reflecting His submission to the divine will and fulfillment of prophecy. This aspect of Jesus' character is significant in understanding His role as the suffering servant and the sacrificial Lamb.Silence Before Accusers One of the most striking instances of Jesus declining to plead is found during His trial before the Sanhedrin and later before Pontius Pilate. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded: "Then the high priest stood up and said to Him, 'Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?' But Jesus remained silent" (Matthew 26:62-63). This silence fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7, which describes the Messiah as "oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth." Similarly, when brought before Pilate, Jesus maintained His composure and refrained from pleading for His life. Pilate, amazed by Jesus' silence, questioned Him further: "Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?" But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, to the great amazement of the governor (Matthew 27:13-14). Purposeful Submission Jesus' refusal to plead is not an indication of weakness or resignation but rather a deliberate choice to submit to the Father's will. In John 18:11, when Peter attempts to defend Him with a sword, Jesus commands Peter to put it away, saying, "Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?" . This statement underscores Jesus' understanding of His mission and His willingness to endure suffering for the redemption of humanity. Fulfillment of Prophecy The silence of Jesus is deeply rooted in the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament. Isaiah 53:7 portrays the suffering servant as one who "was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth" . Jesus' actions during His trial and crucifixion are a direct fulfillment of this prophecy, highlighting His identity as the Messiah who bears the sins of the world. A Model of Humility and Obedience Jesus' decision not to plead serves as a profound example of humility and obedience for believers. Philippians 2:7-8 describes Jesus as one who "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" . His silence in the face of false accusations and unjust treatment exemplifies the ultimate submission to God's plan and the relinquishing of personal rights for a higher purpose. In summary, Jesus' choice to decline pleading during His trials is a testament to His unwavering commitment to fulfill His redemptive mission. His silence is a powerful expression of His role as the suffering servant, His obedience to the Father, and His love for humanity. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 26:62And the high priest arose, and said to him, Answer you nothing? what is it which these witness against you? Nave's Topical Index Mark 15:2 Luke 23:3 John 18:33,34 Library The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, The Greatest Trial on Record An Earnest Warning About Lukewarmness Letter Xliii. (AD 397. ) Indwelling Sin India as Carey Found It From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ... Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Israel's Hope Encouraged; Resources Is pleading the blood of Jesus biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said, “I stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jairus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Pleading: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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