No Defense?

1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.
2 “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.”
5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.
Mark 15: 1-5 NIV

Jesus is facing death and He is asked to defend Himself. He simply answers one question. Then, He is silent. I have to admit, I would be trying to think of a defense for myself at that point in time. Jesus didn't. I believe that is because He felt the record spoke for itself. They already knew all that He had done and had drawn their own conclusions.

I have found that sometimes submitting a defense to someone actually makes the situation worse. It is not always best to defend ourselves or even to defend someone else. Sometimes, God simply asks us to be silent. Sometimes, we simply have to walk away and leave the other person to their own thoughts.

If the record must speak for itself, then let's make sure that our record looks good! Everyday, be aware of your words and actions so that you never feel the need to explain them later.