Isaiah had prophesied the silence of Jesus before His accusers: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: “he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).

It is never easy to be silent when we are right or feel that our rights are being ignored. But that day the innocent Saviour stood accused before the high priest and did not defend himself.

What an example!

Here was living proof of His ability to live the Sermon on the Mount: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43,44).

Jesus had not come to defend himself. He had come to die. False accusations would be heaped against Him. Perjurers would provoke a verdict of guilty against the only man on earth ever to be completely righteous. He who held His Father’s name in highest reverence would be declared guilty of blasphemy by the high priest. And who can understand divine restraint in view of Matthew 26:67? “Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands.”

Still, He held His peace.

And at trifles, we are offended.