Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 23:1-4.
TEXT: Then the whole company of them arose and
brought Him before Pilate
(Luke 23:1).

The Jewish high court and temple police arise as a
large company and lead Jesus to Pilate. As they
bring their charges against Him, they won't even call
Him by name, saying instead, "this fellow." They
level three charges against Jesus. First, they accuse
Him of stirring up the nation against Rome. Next, they
charge Him with hindering the payment of taxes to
Caesar. Finally, they accuse Him of declaring Himself
to be the Christ-a king and a definite threat to Caesar.

Pilate directly asks Jesus, "Are You the king of the
Jews?"

Jesus answers the same way He answered the Jewish
high court previously. "You have said so." In Luke's
Greek Jesus is really saying, "Yes, what you have said
is true. I am King of the Jews."

In Pilate's mind there was no doubt, Jesus definitely
was claiming to be the king of the Jews. And yet Pilate
recognized this Christ-king was no threat to Caesar.
After this questioning Pilate went back out to the Jewish
leaders and made his verdict known, "I find no guilt in
this man." At this point the trial should be over. Pilate
should order the Jewish crowd to disperse and free Jesus,
with an armed escort, if necessary.

But upmost in Pilate's mind is maintaining peace and
order during this festival, when so many Jews from across
the Empire have streamed into Jerusalem. He could
certainly use his troops to disperse the Jewish leaders
and free Jesus, but he prefers a more peaceful resolution.
He seeks consent for his ruling from the Jewish high
court-his first fatal flaw of the day.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, Pilate was convinced of Your innocence, yet
He opened the door to injustice, when he should have set
You free. Thank You for being willing to suffer and die for me.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)