Matthew 26:57-75

“And the high priest stood up and said, ‘Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?’ But Jesus remained silent.” (Matthew 26:62–63a, ESV)

It is difficult to read the account of Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas. It was illegal in at least five ways. In addition, it was clear that the chief priests and elders were not interested in knowing the truth; they just wanted to kill Jesus. They already determined the verdict and sentence before the trial began. In every sense, this was a mockery of justice.

But Jesus endured it all. He remained silent when they hurled their false accusations at Him. In so doing, He fulfilled Scripture.

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7, NKJV)

One of the hardest things to do is to be quiet when others tell lies about you. It is also difficult to stand by and do nothing when we see injustice being committed. Sometimes God would have us stand up and do something to protect the innocent. But often there is nothing we can do, and we must simply entrust the situation to God.

Today it seems like evil is prospering and the wicked never get their due. The innocent ones perish in the land. But one day the wicked will perish and no longer be remembered. And God will forever bless those who have trusted in Him.

Now it seemed that Jesus was a helpless victim to their cruel and murderous hatred. But soon He would triumph over all and prove that He truly is the Christ and Son of God.

“Therefore, I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. And He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12, NKJV)

What appeared to be a great injustice was God’s means to save the world and exalt Jesus to the highest place. So be patient in the evil day. You don’t know how God will use it for your good and His glory!