He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
Isaiah 53:7

As a lamb!
Today’s verse from the Bible makes it clear that two particular features characterise sheep: on the one hand, they are led to the slaughter without any resistance, and on the other, they remain absolutely silent when they are being shorn. These two characteristics distinguished the Lord Jesus when He was arrested, falsely accused and taken to Calvary to be crucified.

Although almighty as the Son of God, He allowed Himself to be bound and taken to the high priest’s house. He offered no resistance and admonished Peter, when he sought to intervene with his sword in order to release his Master. After the death sentence had been pronounced, Jesus permitted the Roman soldiers to take Him to Calvary, where they nailed Him to a cross as if He were a criminal.

Before the high priest many witnesses appeared to make false accusations to establish His guilt. He could easily have refuted all their untrue statements, but He kept silent. Even before the Roman judge the Saviour made no comment on the false charges made against Him. Pilate asked Him: “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But Jesus gave no answer, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

What humility and gentleness the Lord Jesus revealed in those trying hours, when man’s wickedness erupted so forcefully!

Today’s reading: Judges 19:1-30 · Psalm 75:1-11
Original version of The Good Seed Daily Devotional for Monday, September 28, 2020 by GBV Dillenburg GmbH