With this unjust persecution coupled with the untenable death sentence, how could he not say anything back to the Sanhedrin in Mark 14:63-65? How could he not defend himself, knowing the level of injustice he was experiencing? Surely, it was because he knew he must take on the role of the Servant in Isaiah, just like he had been throughout his ministry. In this occasion, it was specifically—Is. 50: 5 The Lord GOD has opened My ear; And I was not disobedient Nor did I turn back. 6 I gave My back to those who strike Me, And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. 7 For the Lord GOD helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. 8 He who vindicates Me is near;
The takeaway from this section is not that self-defense is evil. We may have to think more deeply about the implementation of these principles in the physical realm in the future, but this example relates specifically to the spiritual realm all of the time. What does it ultimately matter if someone speaks poorly about us or perhaps even falsely accuses us of sin? Again, what’s really at stake? What’s at stake is your Christian witness; it’s a unique time to act like Christ and follow his footsteps. Whereas Christ took on the role of the Suffering Servant, we must take on the role of a Christ follower. Like we have been saying for weeks, we must be far more concerned with honoring God by coming under what he has said, than what we need to do to vindicate our name.