The Amazing Silence of Jesus--Sept. 4, 2019

[From Aug. 31, 2011 archive]

Solomon's accomplishments and prosperity

amazed the queen of Sheba;

the untamed power of the tongue to create evil

amazed the writer of James;

your greatness and power and understanding

amazed the psalmist;

but none were more amazed than was Pilate

by the silence of Jesus.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 96; 147:1-11; 132; 134

1 Kings 9:24-10:13

James 3:1-12

Mark 15:1-11

Selected Verses

Ps. 147:5

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
          his understanding is beyond measure.

1 Kings 10:6-7

So [the queen of Sheba] said to the king [Solomon], “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your accomplishments and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it.  Not even half had been told me; your wisdom and prosperity far surpass the report that I had heard.

James 3:7-8

For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Mark 15:5

But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.