He did not answer

Several times the Scriptures point to the silence of Christ during His trial.

The prophet Isaiah said it would be this way:  “Like a lamb that is lead to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth” (53:7).

It was indeed that way, as Matthew noted twice:  “And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer.…And He did not answer him [Pilate] with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed” (Mt. 27:12, 14).

And Peter, years later would reflect on that event and say, “and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Pt. 2:23).

He said nothing.

He was not guilty, but He said nothing.  Why?  What would have been the harm in Him at least saying, “I’m not guilty, but I’m willing and desirous of dying for the sins of those who will trust in Me so that all who believe in Me will not face the wrath of God”?

Adrian Rogers provides a sober and helpful answer:

…when Jesus Christ took our sin, he took all of the punishment that goes with that sin.  A part of that punishment is shame.  Had Jesus defended himself and protested his innocence, he would have suffered no shame, and that would have left us guilty.

Jesus could not prove himself innocent and then die in our place the shameful death that we deserve.  Thank God that Jesus was willing to be counted a sinner before God, that we might be counted as righteous before God!

Jesus held back any words that would have relieved him from the shame and blame of sin.  He was not a sinner, but he took fully the sinner’s place.

And here’s another thought to consider.  If Jesus had risen up in his own defense during his trials, I believe that he would have been so powerful and irrefutable in making his defense that no governor, high priest, or other legal authority on earth could have stood against him!

In other words, if Jesus had taken up his own defense with the intention of refuting his accusers and proving his innocence, he would have won!  But we would have lost, and we would be lost for all eternity.

They accused Jesus of blasphemy, lying, sedition, and many other things, but the Savior answered not a word.  This is the amazing silence of the Lamb.

He was silent because to speak would have resulted in His acquittal and our condemnation; and He came to be condemned so that we would be redeemed.  He could not speak and accomplish our salvation.