From Pilate To Herod And Back Again

ALTHOUGH Jesus makes no attempt to conceal from Pilate that he is a king, he explains that his Kingdom is no threat to Rome. "My kingdom is not part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source." Jesus thus acknowledges three times that he has a Kingdom, although is it not of an earthly source. Yet, Pilate presses him further: "Well, then, are you a king?" That is, are you a king even though your Kingdom is not part of this world?

Jesus lets Pilate know that he has drawn the right conclusion, answering: "You yourself are saying that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone that is on the side of the truth listens to my voice. Yes, the very purpose of Jesus' existence on earth is to bear witness "to the truth," specifically the truth about his Kingdom. Jesus is prepared to be faithful to that truth even if it costs him his life. Although Pilate asks: "What is the truth?" He does not wait for further explanation. He has heard enough to render judgment.

Pilate turns to the crow waiting outside the palace. Evidently with Jesus at his side, he tells the chief priests and those with them: "I find not crime in this man." Angered by the decision, the crowds begin to insist: "He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, even starting from Galilee to here.

The unreasoning fanaticism of the Jews must amaze Pilate. So, as the chief priests and older men continue shouting, Pilate turns to Jesus and asks: "Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?"Yet, Jesus makes no attempt to answer. His calm in the face of the accusation cause Pilate to marvel.

Next time: Conclusion of From Pilate To Herod And Back Again

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991