In Matthew’s gospel account, we read of the events that took place as Jesus was arrested and sent before Caiaphas, the high priest:

Mat 26:59-63  Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death,  (60)  but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward  (61)  and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ”  (62)  And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?”  (63)  But Jesus kept silent. (emphasis mine).

We’re told a few verses before how Peter was following at a distance to see what was going to happen. No doubt, he was concerned about the situation and what they were doing to Jesus. What do you imagine was going through his mind as he watches Jesus be questioned and ridiculed? I imagine him silently imploring Jesus to answer their questions, to tell them who He was and why He taught the things that He taught. “Tell them Lord, oh please, tell them!” But Jesus kept silent.

Consider what had happened before, when Jesus was brought first before Annas the high priest:

Joh 18:19-22  The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.  (20)  Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.  (21)  Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”

Jesus makes the point that it is no secret at all who He is and why He’s here. Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you! But look what happens….

 (22)  And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”

Their hearts were darkened. They were dead set against Jesus and His teaching. It would make no difference if He had elaborately explained everything to them…again!

Perhaps the silence of Jesus takes on more meaning when we look to what Isaiah had prophesied regarding Him:

Isa 53:7  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.

Have you ever considered why Jesus endured what He did, in silence? Do you ever stop and think about why Jesus had to face this abuse and the torment of the cross?

Heb 9:27-28  And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,  (28)  so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

For you. He did it for you.

God’s love for us, His creation, was shouting through the silence of Jesus.