Malcolm Cox

Something that has struck me this year in the run-up to Easter more than ever is the way in which Jesus is so restrained. – Silent before the high priests – Silent before Pilate – Silent as the soldiers mocked him and were violent towards him – Mostly silent on the cross in six hours – Why didn’t he answer? – He is calm, dignified and courageous – in contrast with the religious leaders, and even Peter. – Silence is not an admission of guilt, but settled surrender – Roman law presumed the guilt of those who refused to defend themselves “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” Matthew 26:52-54 Ten Thousand Angels 1. They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where he prayed They led him through the streets in shame They spat upon the Saviour