Offered No Defense
Scripture:
1 Before dawn that morning, all the ruling priests, elders, religious scholars, and the entire Jewish council set in motion their plan against Jesus. They bound him in chains, took him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2 As Jesus stood in front of the Roman governor, Pilate asked him, “So are you really king of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “You have just spoken it.” 3 Then the ruling priests, over and over, made bitter accusations against him, but he remained silent. 4 So Pilate questioned him again, “Have you nothing to say? Don’t you hear these many allegations they’re making against you?” 5 But Jesus offered no defense to any of the charges, much to the great astonishment of Pilate. (Mark 15:1-5 The Passion)
This one really hits me this morning! So many times (most really) I feel like I need to defend myself when accused of something. First today, I read this verse in Proverbs; Respond gently when you are confronted and you’ll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse. (Proverbs 15:1 The Passion) and it was already working on me, and then I read this portion of scripture in Mark.
Father, I’m listening. Help me to remember this, and to respond gently. Forgive me for the many times I have responded in anger or with sharp words. AMEN
Yes, I will just go ahead and give God thanks for all the glorious things he has done! I will go ahead and worship Him! I will tell about His wonders! Psalm 105
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