The Passion 13

Pilate’s Dilemma

            After the flogging had taken place, and the mocking by the soldiers, Jesus was led back to Pilate. Pilate said to the priests and Temple guards that though they thought Jesus was seeking to lead a revolt against the Roman government, he had spoken with the Him and found no guilt in Him. The Jewish leaders found this completely unacceptable and began to raise their voices, shouting that Jesus be crucified. Crucifixion was truly a horrifying way to die. Pilate was perplexed and wondered why they wished to kill this man when he found Jesus not guilty of any crime. Frankly, the Jews cared little what Jesus was found guilty of as long as Pilate cooperated with them to eliminate this man they considered such an immense threat to them.

            John’s gospel is the only one that has the Jewish leaders telling Pilate Jesus said He was the Son of God. Upon hearing this Pilate became frightened, took Jesus back into the Praetorium (his headquarters) and said to Him the following: “Where are You from?” But Jesus did not answer him. So Pilate said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?”  Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me at all if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the sin and guilt of the one who handed Me over to you is greater [than your own].” ^{(John 19:9-11 Amplified Bible)} After Jesus spoke these words Pilate once again attempted to release Him. It was then that the Jewish leaders shouted that if Pilate released Jesus he was no friend to Caesar.

            Pilate brought Jesus out before them and stated, “Look, here is your King.” The leaders insisted they have no king but Caesar. They wished Jesus to be crucified. How ironic that they pretended to have allegiance to Rome while rejecting their own Messiah. Their own words condemned them for God was supposed to be their only true King. It was apparent by this episode that the Jewish leaders had abandoned any trace of loyalty to their God. The priests had truly lost their reason for existence. Instead of turning people to God, they claimed allegiance to Rome in order to kill their Messiah. To avoid further problems from the Jewish leaders and their people, Pilate acquiesced to their wishes, turning Jesus over to them to be crucified.

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible