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Silence and the Gospel: “He Did Not Open His Mouth” Silence and the Gospel: “He Did Not Open His Mouth”

Silence and the Gospel: “He Did Not Open His Mouth”

Preaching from Luke’s account of Jesus’ trial before Pilate, theologian Gary Millar argued that Jesus’ silence was “a calm and considered strategy,” not “despair or stubbornness.” It was more than a refusal to “put on a show for Herod” or to “be drawn into defending himself in a sham trial. . . . He is silent. And by his controlled silence, he brings his death for us one step closer. By choosing not to speak, he exercises perfect control of the situation.”

Jesus’ silence was obedient, purposeful—and prophesied long before. Today’s passage is a messianic prophecy and part of the fourth of four “Servant songs” in the book of Isaiah. Despite being “oppressed and afflicted,” Jesus “did not open his mouth” to complain or protest or beg for relief (v. 7). “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”

Jesus was unjustly condemned and suffered greatly before His death as a criminal in the eyes of the world (vv. 8–9). Mysteriously and wonderfully, this was God’s perfect redemptive plan (vv. 10–12). The Messiah’s death would not endure—“he will see the light of life” (v. 11). He would win the victory over sin and death.

As the conquering Lamb of God, Jesus was the once-for-all sacrifice for sin. John the Baptist identified Him as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). In his apocalyptic vision, the apostle John saw a vision of the risen Lamb (Rev. 5:6–13), who is worshiped with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

Pray With Us

The staff of Moody Radio’s KMBI—broadcasting from Spokane, Wash.—are Joe Gonzalez, Scott Carlon, Dee Marie, and Chris Wright. They have this request: “Please pray for each of us, that we would keep the road He has laid for us in clear view.”

BY Brad Baurain

Dr. Bradley Baurain is Professor and Program Head of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Moody Bible Institute. Bradley has the unique privilege of holding a degree from four different universities (including Moody). He is the author of On Waiting Well. Bradley taught in China, Vietnam, the United States, and Canada. Bradley and his wife, Julia, have four children and reside in Northwest Indiana.

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