If You Say So — The Theology of Quietness
I recently listened to a message by Bishop T.D. Jakes called “The Theology of Quietness.” This message was such a blessing to me and so divinely timely for my life. Let’s read the scripture reference to expound on what I would like to share, in hopes that it will bless you as well.
Matthew 27:11 (NIV)
Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“You have said so,” Jesus replied.
When Bishop Jakes read that verse and said, “Jesus was basically saying, ‘If you say so,’” I laughed so hard. It hit me that the Lord was actually mocking the devil in His own divine way. There was no clap back, no defending His title, no debating His identity. Jesus didn’t have to prove who He was—His silence agreed with His Father’s plan.
They thought they were in control, but Jesus let them think they were—until the cross revealed otherwise.
Over the last few months, I’ve experienced my own “if you say so” season. After a major event, I immediately felt a shift in my spirit. God whispered to me, “Your strength will be in quietness and confidence.” I withdrew closer to Him and laid everything I had on the altar—like Abraham laying down Isaac. This was my promise, but God was asking me to surrender it all again.
This wasn’t my first time up this mountain. The first time, I barely made it. But this time was different—my response was quicker. I didn’t wrestle. I ran to obedience. My spirit became quieter without my permission. The music stopped, but I could still see what God promised. I was on pause, waiting for Him to push play.
I fasted, prayed, and released it. I knew if it was going to happen, God Himself would have to do it. I had an “if you say so” in my spirit.
During this season, I was persecuted, mocked, misunderstood, and misjudged. I lost friends. I was questioned, called delusional, even accused of witchcraft. My motives were cross-examined like Jesus before Pilate. But I stood my ground. I knew who I was and what God said.
Jesus didn’t defend Himself because He didn’t have to. He was standing in truth. Can you stand in front of your accusers and not answer a word? Can you stay still when everything in you wants to defend yourself?
Some of you are being crucified in the comments—by family, by friends, by people who don’t understand your calling. Don’t clap back. Just say, “If you say so.”
Jesus understood His suffering was necessary. It was part of His glorification. He stood as the Son of Man but was about to be revealed as the King of Kings. Sometimes we too must agree with our adversaries for a moment so that God can prove Himself in us.
Whether they acknowledged Him as King or not, He was. Whether people acknowledge who God says I am or not, I am.
God is calling many of us into that same quiet strength—to be still in the face of accusation, confident in who we are, rooted in His promise. The enemy is not fighting you for where you are; he’s fighting to keep you from where you’re going. Sometimes the crown you receive isn’t coming the way you thought it would.
Like Jesus, you may be standing silent now—but resurrection is coming.