Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they BOUND Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “You have said so,” Jesus replied. The chief priests accused him of many things. So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.

When I think of Jesus being bound, I wonder what he was thinking about. I picture him reflecting on the bondage that everyone on earth was in—slaves to sin and destined for death. He not only took on the sins of the world, but he also symbolically took on the chains and bonds that hold us back and keep us down.

When I think about the chief priests, they seem uncontrolled and desperate at this point. It’s almost as if they were throwing up accusations against the wall to see which one would stick with Pilate. It was an assault of ridiculous proportions. And Pilate saw right through it—he knew Jesus was innocent.

Jesus had a quiet strength through it all. He did not respond to these false accusations because:
a) he would have been playing into their devious hands,
b) they were not worthy of a response, as they didn’t truly want to hear the truth, and
c) his allegiance and authority were greater than theirs—he reported directly to God, first and foremost.

When earthly authorities challenge us, call us to denounce the truth, or penalize us for speaking it boldly, we turn to God for our confidence, our strength to endure, and our ultimate glory and justice.

Finally, Jesus’ calm in the midst of this evil storm of false accusations was a witness to Pilate, who was amazed at his silence. I can imagine Jesus here: he was not full of anger or hate, but saddened for these men who were trying to pervert justice to preserve their power and prestige. He had compassion on them. And his face of compassion spoke louder than any words ever could have.

Thank you, Lord, for the mercy and grace you demonstrated in the midst of your persecution. You were bound for my sake, falsely accused because you stood up for the broken and the needy, and silent because your power was so great in God. You loved in silence instead of defending yourself. You loved us so much, you were willing to pay the consequence of death for all of us.