Jesus Testifies to the Truth

April 1, 2012


Background Scripture: John 18, 19
Lesson Passage: John 18:28 – 38

What is truth? Was Pilate’s question rhetorical or was he honestly seeking the answer? His actions following his question would suggest that perhaps he was just being sarcastic in response to Jesus’ statement. We don’t always want to know the truth—especially about spiritual matters. But yet there are times when our restless hearts do yearn for the fulfilling presence of the truth. At other times, our actions betray us much like Pilate’s betrayed him in showing that he was not seeking answers. Pilate was seeking political expediency. Pilate was interested in maintaining his status as the local governing figure representing the Roman Empire and its emperor. This would continue as long as he maintained peace in the region and ensured that taxes were collected and forwarded to the appropriate authorities. His questioning of Jesus showed that he was indeed a shrewd and perceptive person. When he requested the formal charges that the Jews were bringing against Jesus, the Jewish leaders answered him roughly. They were not interested in a fair trial; they were interested in Jesus being executed at the hands of the Gentile government. Pilate understood his role and therefore continued to push for justice to be done. He played along with the Jews and then attempted to use an escape clause that would ensure justice and that he would also come out looking like a hero to both sides. He therefore pronounced judgment on Jesus that he was not guilty and then invoked the local law that allowed him to release a political prisoner back into the local population. The Jews recognized his maneuver and quickly regained their footing by accepting the local law but rather than choose Jesus to release, they recommended the release of a rioter by the name of Barabbas. Barabbas was in prison awaiting execution for being the leader of an insurrection that led to the death of some of the Roman citizens. The Jewish leaders turned Pilate’s political scheme around on him. The politician had talked himself into a corner and now he had to deliver. As judge in this matter, Pilate had to make a decision concerning Jesus. He was searching for answers to his dilemma rather than ensuring that Jesus received a fair trial. If Pilate was fair most of the time then that should count for something, right? If he declared Jesus to be not guilty and punished him anyway that would certainly show that his heart was in the right place; wouldn’t it? After all, God knows our hearts—isn’t that right? Pilate’s attempt to pass the buck by sending Jesus to the territorial leader, Herod, had backfired on him as well. And now it was all on Pilate. If justice were to be served, Pilate would have to recognize the truth and act on it. Pilate got it half right. He saw that Jesus was innocent and that the Jews had brought him there out of jealousy but his political ambitions stood between him and justice. Not only did Pilate ascertain the truth but he was in fact talking to the “Truth”. Jesus was mute on most matters that were raised during the six unjust trials that he was forced to experience. But when it came down to discussing the truth, Jesus did indeed testify and his testimony was the truth.

Robert C. Hudson
March 24, 2012