Pilate Gives In Under Pressure
October 30, 2022
Commentary
As Pilate refuses to execute Jesus, the Jewish leaders continue to bring group pressure and display their hatred toward Him and shout for His death. According to Roman law, Jesus was innocent but the Jews now appeal to their law (vv. 7-8). They say that since Christ has claimed to be God, He should die by Jewish law (Lev. 24:16). When Pilate hears that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God he becomes afraid (v. 8). He had already been warned by his wife that he should have nothing to do with Jesus (Matt. 27:19) because of a dream she had. Pilate then asks the question, “Where do you come from?” (v. 9). When Jesus doesn’t answer, Pilate says to Him, “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or to crucify you?” (v. 10). It was at this point that Jesus reminded Pilate that his so-called authority was only delegated to him from God (v. 11). Fear and anger often go together. When we are afraid we are weak we often go to the other extreme and try to appear strong. This is what Pilate did as he reminded Jesus of his Roman authority.
Becoming even more fearful and realizing that Jesus is innocent, Pilate again attempts to release Him (v. 12). With this the crowd starts to accuse Pilate of being a traitor to Caesar. He knows that if the Jews contact Caesar and tell him that Pilate has released a man who threatens Roman authority, he could be accused of treason and killed. No doubt, Pilate also had plenty to cover up and did not want an unfavorable report to go to his boss. If he had to choose between his loyalty to Rome or protecting a despised Jew there was no question about which way he would go. It was Pilate who was on trial. It was under this kind of pressure that Pilate gives in to the crowd and turns Jesus over to them to be crucified (vv. 13-16).
Application
When have I been under pressures that have caused me to make decisions that I knew in my own heart were not right? What can I do to prevent this from happening in the future?
John 19:7– 16 (NET)
7 The Jewish leaders replied, âWe have a law, and according to our law he ought to die, because he claimed to be the Son of God!â
8 When Pilate heard what they said, he was more afraid than ever, 9 and he went back into the governorâs residence and said to Jesus, âWhere do you come from?â But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said, âDo you refuse to speak to me? Donât you know I have the authority to release you, and to crucify you?â 11 Jesus replied, âYou would have no authority over me at all, unless it was given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of greater sin.â
12 From this point on, Pilate tried to release him. But the Jewish leaders shouted out, âIf you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar! Everyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar!â 13 When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus outside and sat down on the judgment seat in the place called âThe Stone Pavementâ (Gabbatha in Aramaic). 14 (Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover, about noon.) Pilate said to the Jewish leaders, âLook, here is your king!â
15 Then they shouted out, âAway with him! Away with him! Crucify him!â Pilate asked, âShall I crucify your king?â The high priests replied, âWe have no king except Caesar!â 16 Then Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.
Illustration: Lessons From The Book of Esther
There are several lessons we can learn from this passage in the book of Esther:
1. We can see the foolishness of showing off. This is nothing less than sinful pride.
2. We can see the folly of booze. It clouds the mind and closes the door of right judgment.
3. We do not love our wife if all we want is submission.
4. Anger makes you do things that you will later regret.
5. God is always working behind the scenes, and you may not even be aware of it.
(Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author)