What Jesus Did! 'Silent, but in Control' — Matthew 27:11-14

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. "Are you the king of the Jews?" the governor asked him.

Jesus replied, "You have said it."

But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. "Don't you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?" Pilate demanded. But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor's surprise.

— Matthew 27:11-14 NLT

Key Thought

If the murder of Jesus weren't so tragic, the scene would be humorous in a dark sort of way. Pilate, the Roman Governor, and the Jews hate each other. Yet they dance this strange dance of hated political bedfellows. Pilate doesn't want to give them anything they want, but must keep the peace. The Jews don't want Jesus to slip out of their hands so they must act like they respect Pilate.

As he will through most of this tragic movement of grace, Jesus remains silent and in control. He is the only one who does not react out of fear or jealousy. Jesus' path is determined by God's will and his love for us.

Jesus is silent, but in control. He is Lord in his submission to the will of God and in the face of the hateful actions of his enemies! He will not be goaded into saving or protecting himself, so he dies for us — for you and me.

Today's Prayer

O God Almighty, I marvel again in your restraint and grace. How you could let Jesus' trial, suffering and death happen is beyond my comprehension. At the same time, I thank you. I thank you that Jesus shows me that I can be self-controlled when I fully submit to your will. I thank you that Jesus shows me there are bigger things than ridicule and death. I thank you that the story doesn't end with Pilate, an angry mob, and a crucifixion. I thank you for Jesus being raised and now sitting as my triumphant Lord until the time he returns to take me home! To you be all praise, both now and forevermore. In Jesus' name, I offer this thanks and praise. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Isaiah 53:7-10
  • Matthew 26:62-64
  • John 19:10-11

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 27:11-14 NLT — "Don't you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?"

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.

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