Jesus and the disciples came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. Mark 9:33-34
Keeping silent is always the best way to handle the truth. We might think or attempt to hide things from God, but in reality We can’t hide anything from God. In Mark 9:33-34, this is what the disciples did. They stayed silent. Through their silence Jesus saw and heard their sinful, proud attitudes. Jesus gave them an opportunity to walk in the light with him. Instead, they kept silent to avoid the truth. Here’s the deal, a lie of omission is still a lie. Telling a half truth is telling the truth.
Why did Jesus wait to ask them about what they were arguing about while they were walking? Why the delay in confronting them?
The disciples weren’t the first to conceal their sin. Adam and Eve did the same attempt. Genesis 3:8-9 says, “and they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” Have you ever thought about how they hid from God and how ridiculous that was? Let’s focus on ourselves for a moment now. How ridiculous is it for us to do the same, to hide our sin from God? We can’t hide anything from God, he sees all and knows all. Why do you think God asked Adam and Eve “where are you?” God was giving them a change to be honest. Jesus was giving the disciple a chance to be honest. How does this teach us about God and how he deals with us and our sin?
God gives us opportunity to repent. He wants us to take the inititave and break the silence and be honest about our wrongdoing and our sinful actions or attitudes. Scripture reminds us that we are accountable to God. Luke 12:2 says, “nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” In Hebrew 4:13, “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are aked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” How do these verses make you feel? Do they give you comfort or make you uncomfortable? Take time today to read Hebrews 4:11-12. Do you see now that God reveals his truth about us for our own good and by God’s mercy? God is not a bully. He is our savior. He wants to bring us peace.
We must come clean. We must repent. We must confess our sin. In order to do this, we have to break the silence and be honest with ourselves, with God, and with others.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your mercy and grace that you give to us daily. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to be honest before you. I pray today that we will search ourselves and be honest with you and ourselves about what we are hiding.
In Jesus Name
Amen
