Very early in the morning the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law, the entire high council, met to discuss their next step. They bound Jesus, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews? Jesus replied, “You have said it.” Then the leading priests kept accusing him of many things, and Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer them? What about the charges they are bringing against you? But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate’s surprise.
Mark 15:1-5 NLT
Have you ever tried to convince someone of something that you knew was true, when they had already made up their mind? My guess is that it did not go very well!
This scene takes place before the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin (the highest Jewish tribunal during Greek and Roman periods), just prior to the Crucifixion. I believe it would be an understatement to say that this group had already made up their minds. They wanted Jesus gone, out of their way and out of their lives. To be fair, many in the Sanhedrin believed they were protecting their people — guarding the faith against what they saw as blasphemy and a dangerous revolutionary. But their methods revealed something darker than zeal. With Jesus convicted and crucified, there would be no more unabated sermons of truth that exposed their hypocrisy. No more would they have to witness Jesus demonstrating a loving-compassion that exposed their dishonesty, cruelty, and their pretensions of holiness and purity as religious guardians of the people.
Jesus associated with Samaritans and tax collectors, even healing a Roman centurion’s servant and commending him for his faith. All these were hated by the Sanhedrin and called “sinners!” Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, and spoke truth and comfort to the poor, the fatherless, widows, and gentiles with unaltered loving-compassion and truth. The Sanhedrin ignored these individuals. The Sanhedrin were envious and jealous of Jesus, for large crowds followed him wherever he went. So they arrested him secretly on false charges and brought him to Pilate, early in the morning, hoping he would do as he always did – no matter guilt or innocence – and condemn Jesus to death, perhaps even before hearing the charges.
But Pilate surprised them by insisting that they bring actual charges against Jesus and prove them. Even in Pilate’s political calculus, it was clear that Jesus was brought to him out of envy, jealousy, and hatred.
Pilate was the fifth prefect over Palestine, serving from AD 26 to AD 37. Both Philo and Josephus describe him as inflexible, merciless, and cruel — a man who seemed to relish agitating the Jews rather than governing them. He was eventually banished by Emperor Caligula for his injustice, and Judea was his last post. This was not a man inclined toward fairness. His insistence on formal charges was likely procedural caution as much as justice — he was a man who calculated, not a man who cared. And yet, even in his cold political logic, he could find no legitimate charge against Jesus.
His reign as governor was an object failure, because Pilate seemed to enjoy agitating the Jews both religiously and domestically. Roman officials assigned to Judea were promoted quickly, if they managed to achieve a modest peace and order in Judea. But for Pilate, this was his last post.
Jesus understood Pilate. When Pilate asked him, “Are you King of the Jews?” Jesus responded, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?” (John 19: 34) Jesus knew Pilate was not interested in Truth; he was just curious. Jesus stood before him, already beaten and abused by his own people. What Pilate was really asking Jesus was, “Is this the way the Jews treat their kings?” Jesus’ response was “Yes, it is as you say.”
Again, the chief priests began accusing Jesus of many things, yet Jesus remained silent. Oh, what self-control and loving restraint from a loving, patient Savior. Jesus knew he was not going to change their minds through discourse; I believe his goal was to change their hearts and minds through an action they did not expect – silence. Jesus’ lack of response not only demonstrated his loving restraint, but it also fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 53:7). Jesus’ silence amazed even Pilate.
That silence has stayed with me. If Jesus — who had every right and every word — chose restraint, what does that say to those of us who are so quick to speak?
I believe “An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching” (Mahatma Gandhi). “A true man of dignity and knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even tempered” (Proverbs 17:27, paraphrased). As believers, we are called to be wise in the way we act toward others, even in difficult situations: “To make the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:16). “But let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6).
Am I willing to be silent in difficult situations? How do I know when to speak and when to be silent? As the popular adaptation of Proverbs 17:28 goes – “Better to remain silent, and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.” If I talk too much, I merely say what I already think I know. However, by pausing to listen, I enable myself to gain new insights and knowledge.
Knowing when to speak and when to remain silent is a cornerstone of wisdom and emotional intelligence. Speak up to defend others, as Jesus did during his ministry. Share the necessity of truth, or foster connection, like Jesus did, especially when dealing with those hated by the Jews. Conversely, choose silence when emotions are high, when you lack facts, or to avoid unnecessary conflict and gossip. Jesus often was bold and spoke up to defend or advocate, when injustice was evident. Jesus spoke up to add value, to contribute positively to a situation, and to provide clarity.
Jesus spoke up to express truth and love — to share kindness, hope, and the good news of the Kingdom of God. And when he didn’t speak, that too was a message. So today’s question isn’t just when Jesus spoke or stayed silent. It’s this: am I willing to follow his lead — even when silence costs me something, and even when speaking up costs me more?
Darrin Wright is an associate lead elder at the La Sierra University Church, associate director of the FoodPantry+, and he enjoys teaching at Destination Sabbath School.