Silent, that is, sometimes.
There were times, very specific times, when He spoke up. There was a question that He simply couldn't and wouldn't deny, even with silence. He wouldn't allow them to misunderstand His silence as denial.
He could not keep quiet any longer when asked about who He was. He must speak forth His identity.
"If you are the Christ, then tell us!" they demanded. "Are you the Son of God?" they questioned.
"I am", Jesus answers. No more silence.
"But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to Him, "I charge you under the oath of the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." (Matthew 26:63)
"Yes, it is as you say." (v.64)
The humility of silence wouldn't stand when questioned about His very Being or about His relationship to His Father. He cannot, will not, deny who He is.
Even as my eyes glance over the words, "Yes, it is as you say," a memory floods my mind. As I read this today, thinking on those last moments of Christ's life, I can't help but think of the recent moment when I remained silent. Just the other day, in fact. Not questioned, exactly... and certainly not assaulted, the opportunity to speak of who I am in Christ came and went. I remained silent.
Did I deny my Lord that day? Well, not exactly... But, my silence was truly full of cowardice, people-pleasing, and insecurity. Was my silence a form of denial? I knew the moment I walked away from the situation. I felt the tug and sadness, the conviction, of His Spirit.
He had been there with me. I am never alone. He had given me words. I had Truth still lingering on my tongue. I could have testified with my mouth. But, I chose silence... "humble" "gentle" "inoffensive" silence. I remained silent.
My Jesus remained silent that day. Silent, that is... unless asked about who He was. He just won't deny who He is, even with silence.
