Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭3‬-‭7‬
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; 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.

Many have wondered, “Why did Jesus not defend himself against these false accusations and made up crimes?” And, “If he is the model for us, does that mean we should not defend ourselves?”

First of all, as we see in Isaiah, he is fulfilling prophecy. He did not defend himself in front of his accusers because it was God’s will that he sacrifice himself for sinners. He wanted all to work out according to God’s plan first and foremost, not just by what he thought was right. At times, defending yourself is exactly the right thing to do. But it depends God’s will in the situation, too.

Second, I believe he knew there was nothing he could say that would sway the Jewish leaders or the people. When people are bent on blood, and the justice system is unjust, then defending yourself is somewhat pointless.

Third, silence is a powerful weapon. People who overspeak in their defense can seem guilty. He wanted the humble and submissive way he served God to be a light to others.

Jesus did qualify as the King of the Jews. He was also much higher in royal status than that. He was the Son of the God of the universe. Instead of proclaiming his title, he affirmed it by stating that the governor was right in his statement.

Everything about Jesus’ posture, position, and power submitted to God the Father in this moment.

Lord, help me to follow Jesus’ example. He humbly submitted to your plan. There was no anger or bitterness in his tone or voice. He simply loved his fellow man. Incredible patience and steadfast love!