No More Words

Sitting on a hill in the Judean Wilderness, overlooking the actual “Valley of the Shadow of Death,” I sat under the shadow of a monument. More than a statue, it was a symbol of my salvation—a cross. As we prepare for Easter, let’s sit together in the Shadow of the Cross.

"Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him…” (Luke 23:1, NIV) 

Jesus is about to have his life taken from him. He has been arrested and is about to stand trial. It begins with Pilate:

“So Pilate asked Jesus, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ Jesus replied, ‘You have said it.’” (Luke 23:3, NLT)

These are the only words Jesus speaks at his trial. He does not assert himself. He agrees with Pilate’s question but says nothing more. Pilate sends him to Herod, who was very excited to meet Jesus, hoping to see a miracle or trick of some kind:

“When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased … From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.” (Luke 23:8-9, NIV)

Frustrated with Jesus’ apparent lack of ability to entertain him, Herod sends the silent Messiah back to Pilate, where he moves even more into the shadows of the story. The hysterical mob now takes center stage as Pilate argues with them about what he should do with “this man,” the silent man whose name he will not even utter. 

It is here, after all the teachings, stories, conversations, and prophecies, that Jesus’ words stop. 

Within his three separate trials recorded in Luke’s gospel, he becomes more and more silent, nearly disappearing from his own story. Survey the different art in front of you that depicts Jesus’ trial; symbolically, he is slightly faded out of the scene in each picture. Jesus, who is the Word and the light, is now unseen and unheard.

For the next few moments, silently, close your eyes and focus on what Jesus is asking of you:

• When have you silenced Jesus in your past?

• When have you chosen to not see him in your life?

• When have your personal wants and opinions silenced Jesus?

• When have you pushed Jesus to the side as if he weren’t the main point of the story?

As we look towards Easter, let’s not make the same mistake Pilate made. Allow the words of Jesus to continue to flow in your heart. Let’s pray together:

Jesus, I am listening. I don’t want to silence You. Open my heart to hear your living words of life, knowing that it will transform me. Amen.

You are a miracle!