READ: John 19:1-11
“… But Jesus gave him no answer. then saith Pilate unto him, speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: ...” – John 19:8-11
Silence is a way to show disrespect. Jesus Christ did not honour Pilate’s court by answering his questions. Jesus showed no respect to Pilate and his sham, unjust court by being silent. Jesus had no fear and no respect for Pilate. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. John 19:7-9
When you are supposed to speak up and declare your stance, your silence can mean dishonour. When you make no comment, it may be a mild but real way of demonstrating dishonour. Your silence at certain times is a sign of your lack of faith, lack of respect and lack of support in what is going on.
And they asked him, saying,…Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s. And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and THEY MARVELLED AT HIS ANSWER, AND HELD THEIR PEACE. Luke 20:21 26
Silence can be the beginning of disrespect and dishonour! The silence of the Pharisees was not out of respect for Jesus Christ and His doctrine. They did not respect Him. They were craftily tempting Him and trying to destroy Him.
Poor or zero communication can be a sign of someone dishonouring you!