Pilate Judged by Jesus

GOLDEN TEXT: “Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” —John 18:37

JOHN 18:28-38

IT IS generally believed that Jesus’ death on the cross was brought about by false testimony against him by his accusers, but this is not altogether true. Two main charges were brought against Jesus. One was that he claimed to be the Son of God. Jesus acknowledged that he was the Son of God. This was before the high priest. (Matt. 26:63,64) True, the religious leaders of Israel did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, but their charge against him in this connection was not a false one. It was just that they were not prepared to accept the truth.

We have a similar situation in Jesus’ appearance before Pilate. The religious rulers who were seeking Jesus’ death knew that his claim of divine sonship would not disturb Pilate. This was a religious issue, and the Roman government extended a considerable degree of religious liberty to their captive people. But Jesus’ accusers knew that Pilate could not very well ignore the charge that Jesus claimed to be a king. This would be treason to Rome.

Pilate, however, was not particularly impressed by this charge. He knew that Jesus did not have an army to support him, and even if he wished to set himself up as a king over the Israelites, in defiance of the Roman government, his efforts could be quickly quelled. But under the circumstances he had to give Jesus a hearing, so he asked him firsthand if he was the king of the Jews.

Probably Pilate thought that Jesus would quickly deny it, and that this would end the controversy. Instead of this Jesus replied, “Sayest thou this of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what has thou done?”

Jesus knew that he had done nothing worthy of death under Roman law. He knew also that his accusers were right in charging that he claimed to be a king, so he said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.”

Pilate realized from this that Jesus did expect to set up a kingdom, and therefore did claim to be a king. But he would also sense that this fanciful outlook on Jesus’ part did not pose any immediate threat to the stability of the Roman Empire. However, he did seek further confirmation of Jesus’ claim, so asked directly, “Art thou a king then?”

To this question Jesus replied, “Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” Here was a straight forward confession by Jesus that he did claim to be a king. But Pilate still did not think Jesus was worthy of death. As was the custom at that time of year, Pilate offered to release Jesus, but his accusers preferred Barabbas as they continued to clamor for the life of Jesus, so Pilate saw no way out but to yield to them.

Just as it was incredible to Pilate to suppose that Jesus could establish a kingdom that would endanger the authority of the Roman government, it is also incredible to the present-day rulers that this kingdom of God is to be a reality. True, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world [Greek, Kosmos, order],” but this does not mean that when his kingdom is fully established it will not be an actual government which will rule the people of all nations.—Isa. 9:6,7

Jesus’ statement, “My kingdom is not of this world,” simply means that God will not use any of the imperfect earthly governments and methods to establish his long-promised kingdom. It will, however, be set up in the earth.

After Jesus was raised from the dead he announced to his disciples that all power had been given him in heaven and in earth, This “all power” will be utilized in the setting up of his kingdom, and the power of arms will not be needed. Jesus will be the “King of kings” in his government, and he will have associate rulers. These will be those who, during the present age, have suffered and died with him. These will be with Jesus, exalted to the divine nature, and will be invisible to men. But they will have human representatives, called “princes.” (Ps. 45:16) Through these agencies Christ’s kingdom will extend its blessings of peace and life world-wide.

QUESTIONS

Were the charges brought against Jesus by his accusers true, or false?

Was Jesus the Son of God? Did he come into the world to be a king?

In what sense is the kingdom of Christ not of this world? Does this mean that it will not be set up in the earth?

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