Seeds for 02/16/2024 - Matthew 26:59-63a

Scripture: The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put Him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.

Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent.

Observation: A maxim for successful planning and project management is “begin with the end in mind.” Well, do they ever. Matthew tells us that the religious leaders are focused on the outcome—putting Jesus to death, and therefore go looking for “false evidence against Jesus” so they can make that happen. In other words, the exact opposite of how to pursue justice, which requires discerning the truth via a process without a predetermined outcome.

Having struck out looking for false testimony, two people came forward with something, declaring, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” A biblical nerdiness aside: Jesus says something very much like this in John’s Gospel, in 2:19. Again, this is important from an historical perspective because, since Matthew and John are independent from one another literarily, it means there are two independent sources attesting to this saying, albeit at different points in their narratives. Significantly, Matthew does not circle back around to suggest that this claim is drummed up false testimony, as the leaders were initially attempting to procure.

Pressing Jesus, the high priest is aghast that Jesus does not answer: “But Jesus remained silent.”

We need not assume that the solution to all our problems is to argue our point or vociferously defend our situation. Certainly there are times when the right thing is to speak up. Yet if our instinct every time is to answer every question with our words, then we easily fall into the pattern of “when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” In other words, if you have only one way to solve your problems (a hammer), then it becomes nearly impossible to see that the problem in front of you (a loose screw) may be best solved via a different means (a screwdriver). Jesus is in no rush to talk, so in this instance, He demonstrates another way. The arrest is a joke. The trial is a sham. Jesus knows the fix is on. He does not dignify this proceeding with a response.

When He does answer, it will be measured, considered, deliberate.

I’m noticing how Jesus carries Himself in the proceeding thus far and recalling the exhortation from Jesus’ own brother James in his letter, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)

Application:

• When has it been difficult to hold your tongue, even if wisdom recommended doing so?

• What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?

Prayer: Lord, grant me your wisdom and discipline regarding when to speak and when to remain silent. Amen.

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“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)

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