being silent
I came across Jesus' trial this morning while reading in Matthew. That version of the story really emphasizes Jesus' silence before the authorities.
I've thought a lot about that silence, and the more experience I have with institutional authorities the more wisdom I see in Jesus' refusal to speak. He undermines their claim to power by refusing to ask them for anything, not help, not mercy. Though most everyone else (including the authorities themselves) see them as important and powerful, Jesus practically ignores them. I think that's a much more powerful challenge than even denouncing them; it shows a complete lack of concern about what they can do.
At times I've responded with silence in similar situations, but I'm usually agitated and struggling inside, which I'm sure is apparent. I guess I need more practice.
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I know you will keep silence but I so wish, for your own sake you would listen: this interpretation of yours is wrong...
Institutional authority is another aspect of humanity, another facet that needs to be purified and needs Christ's Salvation. He will not deny Salvation to this very important aspect of humanity – And Salvation will come.
Jesus doesn’t ignore them in order to “undermine” them. He does not lack concern for what they can do to Him – kill Him. He doesn’t want to die. He prayed to the Father to spare Him and then He prayed to accept His Father’s will. Thus, while accepting His Father’s will, he keeps humbled silence in front of the instruments of His will – institutional authority. However He does speak for the sake of those in authority.
God bless.
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