MATTHEW 27:11-14 A GREAT MERCY

Written by , Rector of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia
 

¹¹ Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.
¹² When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. ¹³ Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” ¹⁴ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

The Roman Empire always found the Jews to be a peculiar breed. Not only would they not easily take up emperor worship like the other “colonies,” but they insisted that the occupying forces sheath their images and standards in Jerusalem. And mighty Rome made such concessions to this little people in order to keep the peace. But, Pilate was totally out of his league here. Standing before him was one who accepted the title of king of the Jews, and yet his “subjects” were calling for his death and he merely stood there and let them. This was certainly not the Roman way.

But how could we expect Pilate to understand? The Jewish leaders obviously did not know what was happening or who was before them either. And us? We can only understand because of the action of the Holy Spirit. In those moments before Pilate we see a parable that is as striking as the marriage of Hosea to Gomer in demonstrating God’s relationship to his people. The truth is proclaimed. God is the sovereign Creator and Lord of Creation, the one who has called a people. Constantly and consistently, humankind and even his people rebel against him. Have there not been those who call themselves theologians in the Church who have declared that God is dead? Do we not remake God in our own image, thereby choosing an idol over God? Are our lives not a witness against God rather than for God in this world? Yet, God in his mercy lets us live on. He does not respond because his response would bring death and destruction. And he bears all this for us because of his steadfast loving-kindness. Like the fruitless fig tree in Jesus’ parable (Luke 13:6-9) we are given a period time in which to become fruitful.

God is loving and merciful, but he is also righteous and just. He allows the “wicked to prosper” for a season so that the righteous will develop into a great harvest (Matthew 13:24-30). When he does speak, will we be wheat or weeds?

Many of the things I do in this world do not bring you glory and cause you grief, my Lord. Help me to understand that you remain silent not from indifference or resignation, but because of your longsuffering love. Let me understand your silence before your accusers as a powerful image of your sovereign will, which is to save rather than to destroy. May this spur me on to be more faithful to you in all ways. Amen.

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