The Final Witness

After the Garden of Gethsemane, we continue our journey with Jesus towards the cross by stopping at the Roman Praetorium where the governor Pontius Pilate decided the fate of Jesus.

One of the most amazing moments of Jesus’ evangelistic and missionary ministry was his conversation with Pilate. Now, Jesus is literally hours away from his horrible death and crucifixion. He had been falsely accused, beaten, and condemned to die. He was about to make the ultimate sacrifice so that our relationship with God could be restored. Yet, even in this dark moment of suffering, Jesus used the opportunity that he had to reach out to this man we know as Pilate. In this way, Jesus used one of the last conversations before his death to share the gospel message.

When Pilate first interrogated Jesus, it appears that he wanted Jesus to confess his treason so that he could condemn him and move on with life. If Jesus would admit that he claimed to be a king, Pilate could punish him for treason against Rome. However, Jesus explained that his goal was very different than the goals of the kings of this world. As a king, Jesus was not fighting for wealth, power, or to build an empire. Instead, Jesus said that the main reason that he was born into this world was to testify to the truth. This is so different from everything that Pilate was living for and knew from Roman culture. The Romans did not invent philosophy, nor did they seem overly interested in creating religions. When Jesus said that he came to bring truth, what truth was he talking about? In John’s Gospel, Jesus said the truth he was bringing is a truth that sets people free; people like Pilate. It sets them free from worshipping gods that are no gods. It sets them free from religious lies that say you have to constantly offer sacrifices in order to gain the goodwill of the gods. It sets them free from the kind of bondage to sin and evil that brings violence and genocide and war. It sets them free so they can enjoy this beautiful creation God has given them.

As we prepare for Easter, we need to remember Jesus’ witness to Pilate. Even though we don't know if Pilate became a believer, we still have the incredible example of Jesus to follow. Even as he was hours away from his crucifixion, Jesus was still fulfilling his mission. He was still sharing the good news of the gospel. He was still trying to convince Pilate that the eternal spiritual kingdom of truth had arrived. He was still trying to free this Roman governor from the lies of evil, sin, violence, and idolatry. Our witness may also come at a cost for us in rejection or persecution.

Let us pick up our cross and follow him.