What Jesus Did! 'Not a Word' — Mark 15:3-5

Monday, November 25, 2024

[During Jesus' trial,] the leading priests kept accusing him of many crimes, and Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer them? What about all these charges they are bringing against you?" But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate's surprise.
— Mark 15:3-5 NLT

Key Thought

Once again, as Old Testament Scripture had promised, [1] Jesus does not try to defend himself. He is silent. Pilate is surprised at such silence. Why would Jesus not defend himself? Because the issue at stake was not his innocence, but our guilt. He goes as the sinless one to be convicted and sentenced to death for our sins.

[1] Isaiah 53:7.

Today's Prayer

Dear Father, as we are in a season of giving thanks and approach the time for remembering your Son's birth in a special way, it is hard to be reminded of the outcome of that birth. I am ashamed that we humans killed your Son when he came. I am horrified that he was treated so barbarically. I am angered that justice was so perverted. I am enraged that political preservation was more important to those in charge than the life of your Son. However, dear Father, I am eternally grateful that you love me, and love all of us, so much that you had your Son endure what he endured. And, Lord Jesus, not only do I pray this in your name, but I thank you with all my heart for what you did for me. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 15:3-5 NLT — "Aren't you going to answer them? What about all these charges they are bringing against you?"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, November 25, 2024

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Zealous to Honor God' (Acts 22:3)
"Then Paul said [to the mob that had tried to kill him], "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'No More Division' (Ep. 2:14-16)
"Dear Father, reconciler of humanity, Thank you for sending Jesus to break down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and non-Jew. By the way he...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Out of Your Dark Cell' (Ps. 107:10-15)
"Some of you were locked in a dark cell, cruelly confined behind bars... not a soul in sight to help. Then you called out to GOD in your desperate..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Is Your Guard' (Ps. 139:4-6)
"You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!