Real Hope: The Passion - Week 1Sample

Jesus Is Judged By Pilate

The goal of the religious leaders is no secret, but what will Pilate, the governor, do? A handful of people in the Bible play critical roles in the life of Jesus, and one of them is Pilate. The governor and representative of Emperor Tiberius, his charge was to maintain peace and order throughout the region. Twice he invites Jesus to stand up for Himself or to offer a response to the charges, but Jesus does not fight the charges or deny them. Pilate is searching for an answer. Who are you, Jesus? What should I do?

Jesus’ lack of fight astonishes or amazes Pilate, a man of military warfare and action. Maybe it surprises you too. Jesus could have defended Himself. He could have performed a miracle and proven who He was. But He didn’t. This was not yet the time. Left with no defence to consider, Pilate instead maintains the peace and gives the leaders what they want.

To his harshest critic, Pilate is a spineless leader who only seeks to preserve his own role. To others, he’s a pawn used to achieve ultimate salvation for many. I wonder if it’s not both. Verse 15 says, ‘Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them; and after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified.’ When Pilate heard that Jesus had died, I wonder if he understood the part he had played, like the centurion at the cross. I wonder if when Pilate heard that Jesus had risen, he saw Jesus for who He really was. These are questions for us too. Who is Jesus to us, and what does He want us to do? Now’s the time for us to have an answer.

Written by KATIE SMITH