Sharing Bread Matthew 27:11-14

SHARING BREAD

¹¹ Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

“Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.

¹² When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. ¹³ Then Pilate asked him, “Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” ¹⁴ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor.

Matt 27:11-14 (NIV)

To be sure, there is a time to speak just as there is also a time to remain silent.  We who like to wax long with our words should think about that for a moment.  Whether nervousness or pride or proving our rightness or seeking diligently to convenience others of our point of view or whatever our reasoning, it would behoove us to remember God gave us one mouth yet two ears.  We should listen at least twice as much as we babble!  Indeed, we learn little (if anything) spouting forth without listening.  James tells us we are to be quick to listen and slow to speak:

¹⁹ My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.  James 1:19 (NIV)

 

“There must be a practical outworking of our faith here in this present world, or it will never endure in the world to come.  We need fewer words and more charitable works; less palaver and more pity; less repetition of creed and more compassion.”  Billy Graham

Solomon also pens the following Truth regarding our speech in Ecclesiastes:

¹ There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven… a time to be silent and a time to speak.   Eccl 3:1, 7 (NIV)

Proverbs tells us as well that when our words are many sin is right there with us.  Our foolish constant chattering leads to ruin contrasted to the ability to hold our tongues which leads to wisdom.  To cultivate character we are to watch our words carefully:

¹⁹ When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.   Prov 10:19 (NIV)

Indeed, even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent.  Better to be quiet and thought a fool than to open our mouths and remove all doubt:

²⁸ Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.  Prov 17:28 (NIV)

“Wisdom is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech.”   Anonymous

In our verses for today the Lord Jesus answers the Roman Governor Pilate with an affirmative to his query.  Indeed, He was the king of the Jews yet not a king in the way Pilate had supposed Him to be. Jesus’ kingdom was not a political kingdom to rival Rome – He was no threat to Roman rule.  Pilate realized that and sought our Lord’s release.

We discover next in our verses that Christ remained silent to the accusations brought forth by the religious rabble.  He saw no need to stoop to answer them – much to the great amazement of Pilate.  I am reminded of Jesus’ Words in the Sermon on the Mount earlier in Matthew.  One should never entrust holy things to unholy people:

 ⁶ “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.”   Matt 7:6 (NIV)

 

Jesus’ hour had come and He here quietly submitted to His Father’s will even as Pilate pressed Him to make some reply.  Pilate had no malice against our Lord and was more than likely desirous that Jesus clear Himself of these Jewish leaders accusations.  He wondered at Christ’s silence thinking it strange that He would not defend Himself with even a Word.  No need.  The plan was in place, the camera was rolling.  Our redemption was drawing near and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so Christ resolutely did not open His mouth:

 

⁷ He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. ⁸ By oppression and judgment he was taken away.  And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.   Isaiah 53:7-8 (NIV)

  

What I glean from this:

 

·       There is a time to speak and there is a time to remain silent.

·       I must watch my words carefully.  There is wisdom in holding my tongue.

·       Jesus was stricken for my iniquities.  The punishment that brought me peace was upon Him.