What do you say to people who will not listen? How will you convince those who have already made up their minds? 

Men whose lives are on the line most often become rather chatty in their own defense. Jesus did not. 

All of human history led to this inevitable moment. The one truly innocent man who ever lived was going to die. 

In Michael Connelly’s book, The Lincoln Lawyer, the lead character, Mickey Haller, says, “There is no client as scary as an innocent man.”

Pilate’s wife agreed (verse 19). Pilate tried to wash his hands of the whole affair (verse 24). The Jewish leaders and the rabble they gathered to shout down justice wanted a bloodbath (verse 25). 

Jesus was flogged to within an inch of his life (verse 26). 

Jesus was mocked and beaten (verses 27-30). 

Jesus was led to his crucifixion (verse 31). 

Jesus was crucified (verse 35). 

Jesus was hung out to dry. Jesus was hung out to die (verses 36-45). 

Jesus died (verse 50).

At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
(‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27‬:‭51‬-‭53‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Don McLean wrote a song about Vincent Van Gogh called Vincent. The final lines of the song are fitting in this context. 

They would not listen, they’re not listening still
Perhaps they never will

An innocent man who did not speak in his own defense died a deliberate death. 

He who is God with Us 
Died on that cross. 
His silence provided the key 
To set us eternally free. 

Sometimes the best thing to say 
Is nothing at all.
Sometimes the best thing to do 
Is to our knees fall.

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I will fall on my knees in deepest grief and eternal gratitude.

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