He Answered Nothing
The sermon emphasizes the importance of silence and stillness in the face of adversity, and how this allows God to work for us and preserve us from narrow bigotry and easy-going tolerance.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the powerful example of Jesus remaining silent in the face of false accusations and mistreatment, showcasing the strength found in stillness and trust in God's provision and defense. He emphasizes the importance of letting go of self-vindication and allowing God to intercede on our behalf, leading to a spirit of conquered peace and a lasting impact on others. The sermon highlights the need to emulate Christ's quiet strength in the midst of conflicts and differences, seeking to see the face of Christ in those we disagree with for a testimony that reflects His saving grace.
Text
"He answered nothing" (Mark 15:3).
There is no spectacle in all the Bible so sublime as the silent Savior answering not a word to the men who were maligning Him, and whom He could have laid prostrate at His feet by one look of Divine power, or one word of fiery rebuke. But He let them say and do their worst, and He stood in THE POWER OF STILLNESS--God's holy silent Lamb.
There is a stillness that lets God work for us, and holds our peace; the stillness that ceases from its contriving and its self-vindication, and its expedients of wisdom and forethought, and lets God provide and answer the cruel blow, in His own unfailing, faithful love.
How often we lose God's interposition by taking up our own cause, and striking for our defense. God give to us this silent power, this conquered spirit! And after the heat and strife of earth are over, men will remember us as we remember the morning dew, the gentle light and sunshine, the evening breeze, the Lamb of Calvary, and the gentle, holy heavenly Dove. --A. B. Simpson
The day when Jesus stood alone
And felt the hearts of men like stone,
And knew He came but to atone
That day "He held His peace."
They witnessed falsely to His word,
They bound Him with a cruel cord,
And mockingly proclaimed Him Lord;
"But Jesus held His peace."
They spat upon Him in the face,
They dragged Him on from place to place,
They heaped upon Him all disgrace;
"But Jesus held His peace."
My friend, have you for far much less,
With rage, which you called righteousness,
Resented slights with great distress?
Your Saviour "held His peace."
--L. S. P.
I remember once hearing Bishop Whipple, of Minnesota, so well known as "The Apostle of the Indians," utter these beautiful words: "For thirty years I have tried to see the face of Christ in those with whom I differed." When this spirit actuates us we shall be preserved at once from a narrow bigotry and an easy-going tolerance, from passionate vindictiveness and everything that would mar or injure our testimony for Him who came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. --W. H. Griffith Thomas
Sermon Outline
- I. The Sublime Silence of Christ
- A. A spectacle of stillness in the face of maligning
- B. A demonstration of God's power in stillness
- II. The Power of Stillness
- A. A stillness that lets God work for us
- B. A stillness that holds our peace
- C. A stillness that ceases from self-vindication
- III. The Dangers of Taking Up Our Own Cause
- A. We lose God's interposition
- B. We strike for our defense
- IV. The Importance of a Conquered Spirit
- A. God gives us this silent power
- B. We are remembered for our gentle spirit
Key Quotes
“There is a stillness that lets God work for us, and holds our peace; the stillness that ceases from its contriving and its self-vindication, and its expedients of wisdom and forethought, and lets God provide and answer the cruel blow, in His own unfailing, faithful love.” — Charles E. Cowman
“For thirty years I have tried to see the face of Christ in those with whom I differed.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- We should strive to have a conquered spirit and let God work for us, rather than trying to defend ourselves.
- We should cease from self-vindication and let God provide and answer for us.
- We should try to see the face of Christ in those with whom we differ and act with compassion and kindness.