July 15

“Jesus gave him no answer.” — John 19:9

The silences of Jesus are as significant as his words. He was silent before Pilate. He understood the governor’s miserable insincerity. Pilate had had opportunity enough to do the right thing–but he had thrown away his chance. Now Jesus would answer no more of his questions. It was not worth while.

One lesson we get from this silence of Jesus is, that if we reject his offers of grace over and over–the time may come, will come, when he will be silent to us. And of all calamities that can possibly ever come to any man, no other could be so great as that Christ should be silent to his prayers, turning his back and answering no more when he calls.

Another lesson from Christ’s example is, that there come times in every life when silence is better than speech. Ofttimes to words of reviling or insult, silence is the only true answer. To many of the assaults made by sceptics on our religion, it is better that we remain silent. There is a time to speak boldly in the presence of Christ’s enemies; but there also are times when we should keep silence, attempting no answer.