Pontius Pilate
What Did Pontius Pilate Learn About Jesus?
Spend time in contemplation at the cross this week. Consider the Mark 15 account. See from the eyes of those people actually there. That’s one way to upgrade your spiritual life. For instance, what do you learn about Jesus from an astonished Pilate?
Mark 15:5, “But Jesus made no further answer; so that Pilate was amazed.”
Pontius Pilate was a Roman prefect (or governor) over Judea in the early first century (about 26-36 AD). Jesus had been turned over to Pilate and the government by Jewish leaders who accused Him of a crime punishable by death. Yet, He refused to reply to any of them.
Pilate learned the incredible truth that religious men can violently oppose Jesus. Even otherwise reasonable men will set aside facts and plot to kill someone chosen and anointed by God. How can we avoid this same deadly error?
5 Ways To Toss Out Solid Facts
Here’s how the leaders around Pilate did it.
First, make facts relative. Say, “There are no absolutes” or “All knowledge is progressive. It used to be the right thing to do, but not now.” When facts get tossed, this can remove Jesus from your life.
Second, toss out facts by making them apply only to other people. “You see, my present situation is an exception to this rule or guideline.” It’s easy to apply the Bible to others. How many times have you listened to a sermon you wished someone else heard? But you didn’t consider receiving any part of the message for yourself.
More Dismissive Ways
Third, question the source. “Well, that’s unreliable—that translation, that interpretation, that commentary.”
Fourth, attempt to disprove the statements made with opinion or conjecture. Determine instead, “That’s not really what that means.” And dismiss the whole thing.
Fifth, present and encourage tension in order to tear down a side as valid. Some do that with Scriptural interpretation. If you have trouble with this passage, find one you can interpret to mean the opposite. Let them cancel each other out. “Well, it could be six of one or half a dozen of the other, so I support this idea.” Which is what you wanted all along.
But Jesus is King
Mark 15:2, “And Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And answering He said to him, “It is as you say.”
Jesus replied, “You’re right, I am King,” but Pilate misunderstood. For Jesus, that meant ruling the land when returned to rule all creation. To the people, a king meant someone to whom you owe taxes. Jesus would be someone to whom you owe everything. Instead of bringing peace in the land, Jesus would bring peace in your heart. An earthly king should help you live a safe, prosperous, and happy life. Jesus would enable you to live forever.
Jesus is truly king when you bow down to Him alone, when He’s the only one who receives your honor and worship. And Jesus is truly king of your life when you champion His causes, when you fight His battles. Jesus is king when you obey His edicts, His law, His Word. If you bow down to Him and never once champion His causes or obey Him, He’s not your King.
Another Pilate Lesson
Pilate learned a lot about Jesus on His way to the cross. And you can too.
Jesus did not try to get out of His unjust punishment. Even so, Jesus was in control, in the midst of this atrocious chaos. He could get out of the whole situation and knew what was going to happen. He even knew He could get the upper hand, be totally in charge. But we also learn that surrender to God’s perfect will isn’t always pleasant or fair. As you look at Jesus, you see Him embrace the circumstance that will bring Him a cruel and agonizing death. Yet He stayed quiet and silent as the events unfolded around Him.
Stephen Bly
Circa 1990s
Pontius Pilate Image by Airgil Daviss from Pixabay
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