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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