Grade 10 student
Passage: Matthew 27:11 to 26
“Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” Matthew 27:13
Jesus has been brought to Pilate, the Roman governor, and about to be sentenced to death by the cross. As he stands in front of his enemies, when asked questions, he remains silent. Even Pilate is surprised when Jesus doesn’t reply to the accusations being thrown his way. After all, they aren’t strong arguments, not enough to earn him death by the cross.
In Isaiah 53:11b, we read, “And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.”
Jesus knows that he is the righteous servant and will bear our sins. He knows we don’t deserve what he will do for us, but he does it anyway.
Why?
Because of his love for us. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, so that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16
We hear a lot about God’s love from our family, friends, and pastors. But have ever stopped to actually think about how amazing God’s love is?
We constantly break his heart. We complain to him when something doesn’t go our way instead of thanking him for things we were given. We lie to one another and devalue others by insulting them and putting them down. We think ourselves better than others by comparing ourselves, thinking we’re prettier, smarter, stronger, or braver than others. These actions break God’s heart, because they prove that we love ourselves more than we love him.
That’s what’s happening in front of Pilate, that’s why Jesus remains silent. Because as he stands chained, bloody and beaten in front of a governor who will allow his death to happen, our Saviour sees you and me, and he knows that we are his children. We will be made worthy through what he is enduring.
And so, a silent Jesus is led to the cross where he dies for the sins of the world, and is buried. But thankfully that’s not the end of the story.
Prayer
Dear Abba,
Thank you that you forgive us and love us enough to send Jesus to cover for our transgressions and iniquities. We look forward to a day when all is done, when we are allowed to enter through heaven’s gates and live eternally with you.
Thank you for being patient with us. Allow us to focus on you and your Word, to long for a relationship with you, and to value the people around us, just as you did.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.