Before The Sanhedrin, Then To Pilate

It is still early in the morning when Jesus is taken to the governor's palace. But the Jews who have accompanied him refuse to enter because they believe that such intimacy with Gentiles will defile them. So to accommodate them, Pilate comes out. "What accusation do you bring against this man?" He asks. "If this man is not a wrongdoer, we would not have delivered him up to you," they answer. Desiring to avoid involvement, Pilate responds: "Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law."

Revealing their murderous intent, the Jews claim: "It is not lawful for us to kill anyone." Indeed, if they killed Jesus during the Passover Festival, it would likely cause a public uproar, since many hold Jesus in high regard. But if they can get the Romans to execute him on a political charge, this will tend to absolve them of responsibility before the people. So the religious leaders, not mentioning their earlier trial during which they condemned Jesus for blasphemy, now trump up different charges. they make the three-part accusation: "This man we found [1]subverting our nation and [2] forbidding the paying of taxes to Caesar and [3]saying he himself is Christ a king."

It is the charge that Jesus claims to be a king that concerns Pilate. He, therefore, enters the palace again, calls Jesus to him, and asks: "Are you the King of the Jews?" In other words, have you broken the law by declaring yourself to be a king in opposition to Caesar? Jesus wants to know how much Pilate already has heard about him, so he asks: "Is it of your own originality that you say this, or did others tell you about me?"

Pilate professes ignorance about him and a desire to learn the facts. "I am not a Jew, am I?" He responds. "Your own nation the chief priests delivered you up to me. What did you do?" Jesus in no way attempts to dodge the issue, which is that of kingship. The answer that Jesus now gives no doubt surprises Pilate. Luke 22:66-23:3; Matthew 27:1-11; Mark 15:1; John 18:28-35; Acts 1:16-20.

Next time: From Pilate To Herod And Back Again

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991