| Series | Living with the Romans |
|---|---|
| Theme | 3. Pilate and his soldiers - Pilato ma ana fitafita |
| Colour | Lanu Auro |
Scripture Focus: Ioane 18:28-40
They led Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. It was early, and they themselves didn’t enter into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. Pilate therefore went out to them, and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered him, “If this man weren’t an evildoer, we wouldn’t have delivered him up to you.” Pilate therefore said to them, “Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spoke, signifying by what kind of death he should die. Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered him, “Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate answered, “I’m not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here.” Pilate therefore said to him, “Are you a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no basis for a charge against him. But you have a custom, that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Therefore do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” Then they all shouted again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
- John 18:28-40 (WEB)
Study:
This passage highlights the stark contrast between Jesus and the political world represented by Pilate. Pilate, a Roman governor, is more concerned with maintaining order and appeasing the crowd than with justice or truth. He asks the Jews to judge Jesus themselves according to their law, but they decline because they lack the authority to carry out the death penalty. Pilate's questioning of Jesus reveals his uncertainty and lack of conviction. Jesus's declaration that His kingdom is “not of this world” is a powerful statement about the nature of His authority and reign. Pilate's famous question, “What is truth?” encapsulates his inability, and the world's inability, to grasp the spiritual reality Jesus embodies. Ultimately, Pilate prioritizes political expediency over truth, releasing Barabbas, a known criminal, and handing Jesus over to be crucified.
Application:
We often find ourselves in situations similar to Pilate's – weighing truth against convenience, popularity, or political gain. The passage challenges us to examine our own priorities. Are we willing to stand for truth, even when it's unpopular or difficult? Do we prioritize worldly concerns over spiritual ones? We must strive to align ourselves with Jesus's kingdom, which is not defined by earthly power but by truth, love, and righteousness. Like Pilate, we can easily be swayed by the opinions of others, but we must be grounded in the truth and not compromise our faith for the sake of peace or acceptance.
Reflection Questions:
- How does Pilate’s questioning of Jesus reflect the priorities of the Roman world?
- What does it mean that Jesus’s kingdom is “not of this world”?
- How might we, like Pilate, compromise our principles for the sake of maintaining peace or avoiding conflict?
- What is your personal definition of truth? How does it align with Jesus's teachings?
- How can we better demonstrate our allegiance to Jesus' kingdom in our daily lives?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to be bold in our pursuit of truth, even when it is challenging. Give us the courage to stand for what is right, regardless of the consequences. May we resist the temptation to compromise our faith for the sake of convenience or acceptance. Help us to understand and live out the values of Your kingdom, and to always seek Your will in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tags:Pilate, Jesus, truth, Romans, kingdom, Barabbas, John 18, faith, truth, Romans, power, compromise, justice