When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies. Luke 23:8-12

Herod was the ruler when John the Baptist was alive and preaching. He was also responsible for John’s death. Now, though, he was curious about Jesus. In fact, he wanted Jesus to perform for him. Obviously he didn’t respect Jesus, nor did Jesus respect him.

Jesus remained silent. Those in attendance that day hurled all kinds of insults and accusations, but they only heard silence. Herod even joined in with the insults.

We read the story and desperately want Jesus to read them the Riot Act, maybe even revealing some of their secrets for the world to see.

But He remained silent.

When you have nothing to say, you say it loud and clear.

And He did just that.

We need to pause and consider this course of action as well when we’re falsely accused and mocked. It’s not our first instinct because we want to be right. Jesus Himself was the very definition of “right” but He didn’t need to prove that He was right just to make a point.

Sometimes silence speaks much louder than words.