November 3: Weekly Reading- Jesus Before Pilate; The Accusers & Insight Post by Kim Feld

  -   November 3, 2025

Jesus’ Silent Strength: When accused before Pilate, Jesus did not defend Himself, showing us the power of silent strength and trust in God’s plan. In moments of accusation or misunderstanding, Jesus models how we can remain calm and composed, trusting God to be our defender.

Monday Verse

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. Isaiah 30:15 (NLT)

Monday Questions

How can I respond with calm strength when I am misunderstood or accused, trusting in God’s defense? In what ways can I practice silent strength, following Jesus’ example, and rely on God to be my defender in challenging situations?

Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld

I have always been amazed at Jesus’ ability to remain silent and not defend Himself during the so-called trial before his execution. The religious leaders had been plotting to get rid of Him for some time. They saw their opportunity and eagerly moved toward it. But Jesus gave them no fight, no argument, no defense. 

Reflecting on my own experiences, I noticed that when I feel compelled to defend myself, it is usually because I feel threatened, not physically, but in terms of pride, reputation, or interests. This instinct to defend contrasts sharply with Jesus’ calm surrender. The religious leaders and Romans, though they appeared powerful, posed no real threat to Him; He allowed all that happened. Until His death, He could have summoned a legion of angels, but He chose not to, confident in fulfilling His Father’s will. 

It’s natural to want to defend yourself when you have been treated unfairly. However, as we see in Jesus’ example, sometimes we must let those things go and trust that God will address them as He sees fit. I love these verses in Lamentations chapter 3:

Lord, you have come to my defense;
    you have redeemed my life.
You have seen the wrong they have done to me, Lord.
    Be my judge, and prove me right. Lamentations 3:58-59 (NLT)

The promise of God’s justice offers comfort. One day, He will right all wrongs and wipe away every tear. Only God can truly bring justice to our world, and He will (see Isaiah 42:3). But what should our response be when we are wronged in the meantime?

I don’t believe Jesus wants us to bury our hurt and pain, but He knows the harm that comes from harboring bitterness and resentment. As followers of Jesus, we are to be known by our love, and love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs (see 1 Corinthians 13), however difficult that may be. When I feel unfairly treated, I go to the Psalms and pray them back to God. I pour my heart out to Him, knowing He is my defender. Here is one of my favorites: 

O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?
² How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

³ Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
⁴ Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.

⁵ But I trust in your unfailing love.  I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
⁶ I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me. Psalm 13 (NLT)

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach 

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org