He Kept Quiet
Isaiah 53:7
Friday, March 30th
Give up defending yourself, it won’ t work, it can’ t work, and you don’ t need your self-defense to work. That doesn’ t mean you don’ t need a defense. You do.
We call this Friday‘ good’ because early this morning the innocent Lamb of God was betrayed and arrested. He was dragged before earthly judges and accused falsely of blasphemy and sin. He was indicted for a crime against the holy and righteous God that deserved death as a punishment.
Of course the accusations and indictments were unjust. Jesus wasn’ t guilty of any crime, he had committed no sin. Never once did he fail to love God with all his heart, to gladly hear the Word, and patiently endure hardship. Never was Jesus disobedient, proud, or unforgiving. Not once was he selfish, lazy, envious, or quarrelsome. He did not lie or deceive or give anyone a bad name. He did not abuse his body or permit indecent thoughts to linger in his mind. He never failed to do what is right and good.
In fact, of that reminder from page 156 in the front of Christian Worship, the only thing that Jesus was truly guilty of is‘ taking something that was not his own.’ Like a wonderful thief Jesus stole away all your guilt and the blame for your disobedience, pride, selfishness, lust, and greed. Jesus took it all on himself and made himself guilty of your lack of love for God and his Word. He took the indictment for your blasphemy.
So when he was accused, Jesus did not seek to defend himself. He remained quiet. To the slaughter he willingly went without complain. He went to death without defense to protect you perfectly from the consequence of sin. On this Good Friday we rejoice to give up defending ourselves because in Christ Jesus we have the surest defense.
Prayer: Dearest Jesus, on this day you gave yourself over to death for me, in my place, for my sin and guilt. Your payment for me stands against my fear of death and punishment and gives me joy in the promise of eternal life. Praise be to you for this priceless gift. Amen.
Activity: Don’ t do anything, or rather, don’ t say anything. See if you can go for one hour without speaking. Do this, not to be silly, but to remember how Jesus did not open his mouth to defend himself so that he could defend you.
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