Introduction
The Old Testament includes very specific prophecy about how the Messiah would act when faced with persecution.
Old Testament Prophecy
13 I am like a deaf man, who cannot hear, like a mute, who cannot open his mouth; 14 I have become like a man who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. [Psalm 38:13-14 NIV]
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. [Isaiah 53:7 NIV]
New Testament Fulfillment
Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” [Matthew 26:62-63 NIV]
When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge–to the great amazement of the governor. [Matthew 27:12-14 NIV]
But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” [Mark 14:61 NIV]
The chief priests accused him of many things. So again Pilate asked him, Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of. But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed. [Mark 15:3-5 NIV]
He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. [Luke 23:9 NIV]
…and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. [John 19:9 NIV]
Return to the Monday Morning Prophecy index page.
Image courtesy of Abby Reed