Generally, when I feel attacked or falsely accused, my response is to fight back. If somebody wants to create an argument, I am fully game to join right in. I allow myself to get escalated to defend myself, to defend others, to defend my ideas, and to attempt to vindicate what I believe is true and good.
Yet when Jesus is falsely accused, he does not fight back, he does not even respond. The governor is greatly amazed (v14). Even as Jesus is brought before the crowds and the people are raging against him, Jesus does not speak out, he does not get angry and lash out in a rage, and he does not call down legions of angels (Matthew 26:53). He never said a mumblin’ word.
What Jesus models is what Paul talks about in Romans 12:19, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Perhaps this is one of the best ways to model Christ to the world. Stop trying to win every argument, stop trying to defend the faith by correcting people from saying Merry Christmas, and simply live out the faith for people to see through service and sacrifice. I know I’ve got a long way to go on this one. Help me Jesus.
For more on the great hymn that reflects these actions of Jesus, “He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word,” follow this link to learn it’s history https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-he-never-said-a-mumbalin-word and follow this link to hear the song and think on what Jesus did. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM8SULN_G_w