Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer.
Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Matthew 27:11-14
“You have the right to remain silent.” I learned those words watching an old TV show called “Dragnet.” It seems to me that it was often followed by a show about the FBI starring a guy named Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Even as a kid, that name fascinated me. It was a mouthful. And the stars of both shows were always straight shooters. They were honorable. They served and they protected. They were the authorities.
But they were TV shows. They weren’t real. Even today’s reality shows are not real. Real life is far more complicated. Crimes don’t get solved in 30 minutes. The majority of crimes aren’t even solved. Here in Houston, nearly half of all murderers “get away with it.” Of the 997 murders from January 2015 through June 2018 only 39% resulted in arrests and charges.
Most child abusers are family members or family friends. Most theft is from family. Many murders are criminals killing criminals.
And then there are the class and race issues. A higher percentage of people of color are in jail, often for less serious crimes, than white people. Jeffrey Epstein is in the news today. He sexually molested dozens, if not hundreds, of underage girls. How was it that his initial prison sentence was 13 months of “custody with work release” in a private wing of a Palm Beach county jail? He was rich and he knew the right people. His work release allowed him to go home for 12 hours a day, six days a week. That’s ju$tice?
Jesus was innocent. He didn’t do anything wrong. He didn’t break any Roman laws. Yet he was brought before Pilate. Pilate, the only name that appears in the Apostles’ Creed. Pilate knew full well that he was innocent. He could see clearly what was going on. He knew the players. And Jesus remained silent.
Let us pray: Dear Lord, as we remember the scene of you standing before Pilate, we can hear the discordant voices of your accusers. Our hearts tell us how important justice is, yet you were so unjustly taken and unjustly treated. You stood before Pilate and in that you identify not only with all of those who suffer injustice but all of those who stand aside and let it happen. All those who stand aside while making it happen. The brokenness of our lives will soon break you yet you suffered it all in silence. Silence. Amen.
Daily Devotions 
July 16, 2019 at 7:44 pm |
Good to have you back!!!