No Fault

Jn. 19:8

When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid.

 

During Pilate's initial examination of Jesus, Jesus told him clearly that His kingdom was not of this world, and for this purpose He was born, and for this purpose had come into the world--to bear witness to the truth. Jesus went on to tell Pilate that everyone who listened to the voice of Jesus was of the truth. What powerful statements! Pilate went out to the Jews and told them he found no fault in Jesus, but he was willing to release one man since it was the Passover. Obviously, he thought they would want Jesus released, but instead they chose, Barabbas, a robber. The Jews had Pilate boxed in. They were manipulating the situation and the man.

 

Then Pilate flogged him, had the soldiers make a crown of thorns to put on His head, and placed a purple robe on Him. He then brought Jesus out to them. As the Jews were hitting Him they said,  Hail, king of the Jews. Such hatred! Again Pilate declared that he found no fault in Him. But the Jews answered Pilate saying that Jesus had made Himself the Son of God and for that reason He should die. But when Pilate heard that statement, he was even more afraid. Obviously, he had more insight than the frenzied mob! Obviously, he had more insight than these self-righteous men!

 

As Pilate questioned Him again, Jesus refused to answer. Pilate couldn't understand why He wouldn't try and save His life. Finally, Jesus answered, You have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore, he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin. Pilate didn't need to be told twice. He tried to release Jesus again, but the Jews had the taste of blood in their mouths. Finally, they yelled out, If you release this man, you are not Casar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar. Now Pilate was between the rock and the hard place. What to do? They had forced his hand; He had to have Jesus crucified. What internal conflict he must have undergone! But what is amazing to me is that Pilate could sense that Jesus was different, that He was innocent, but yet the seeming religious scribes, Pharisees, and priests, were only filled with hatred. They were totally lacking in the one area that they were supposed to be experts. They had rejected the Son of God, their Messiah. Their own power, self-righteousness, and traditions had become their gods.

 

Father,

Give me Your discernment in every situation so that I see life as You do. Thank You, Jesus for enduring all this for me.

In Your name,

Amen