Power of Words – Part 3: Silence

When Jesus saw the Temple being used as a place of business instead of a place of worship, He became enraged, throwing over tables, scattering money across the floor, and chasing out the merchants with a whip. Jesus then spoke of how the Temple was a place of worship, not a place of business (Matthew 21:12-13). Throughout His ministry, He frequently spoke out against the incorrect teachings of the Pharisees. Jesus provided the correct translation and meaning of the Torah, contradicting what the Pharisees had preached for years. The Pharisees probably complained amongst themselves about how this “troublemaker” never stopped talking! Yet, when the literal trial for His life came, Jesus stopped talking.

When Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time because of what he had heard about Him, and was hoping to see some [miraculous] sign [even something spectacular] done by Him.  And he questioned Him at some length, but Jesus made no reply.  (Luke 23:8-9, AMP)

Just as words have power, a lack of words can also have power. Jesus said nothing before Herod, who had the power to spare His life. Later, before Pilate, Jesus was also practically silent, offering few words that seemed to support His accusers instead of defending Himself. Yet, His silence was powerful!

Jesus’ silence spoke volumes – cliche, but true. How can silence today be beneficial? Herod and the Pharisees were bullies. Bullies have never gone away and their tactics have not much changed, if at all. They mock, they tease, they shout, they try anything and everything to get a response from you. Silence, walking away without a word, is not weakness, but a sign of strength.

Jesus silence spoke volumes – cliche, but true.  How can silence today be beneficial?  Herod and the Pharisees were bullies.  Bullies have never gone away and their tactics have not much changed, if at all.  They mock, they tease, they shout, they try anything and everything to get a response from you.  Silence, walking away without a word, is not weakness, but a sign of strength.  

Silence can be used to ignite discussion. Throughout history, many protests have used silence to argue for change. Rosa Parks, and others, who refused to give up their seats on the bus; sit-ins at segregated restaurants; the Boston Tea Party; organized refusal to work to protest a law or working conditions; the medal stand protest at the 1968 Olympic Games; Colin Kaepernick, and other NFL players, kneeling during the national anthem at NFL games – all are examples of speaking without saying a word. All these events have led to national discussions of the issues being protested.

Personal, silent protests are also possible! Someone has to start them! Workplace gossip is famous – you can refuse to participate. An explanation is not required, and will often not be heard if given. Just walk away. Walk away, refuse to participate in crude humor. Don’t watch, or participate in discussions regarding explicit shows and movies.

As Jesus demonstrated, there is a time for using words, and a time to use silence, the lack of words, to speak a message.

Words have power!  Words have the power to create!  Words have the power to deceive and manipulate!  Words have power in silence!

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