John: Standing Before Pilate

John 18:28-40 

The Romans didn’t like the Jews, and the feeling was mutual. Past rebellions had increased the tension, so when crowds started to follow Jesus, the religious leaders worried that the Romans might see this as an opportunity to punish them. That’s why Caiaphas said earlier in Jesus’ ministry that it would be better for one man to die “for the people, not that the whole nation should perish” (John 11:49-50). He believed that killing an “insurrectionist” would show loyalty to the Roman government. 

When Jesus appeared before Caiaphas early in the morning, the high priest had already made up his mind about Jesus’ fate. That’s why, I believe, John doesn’t record any of Jesus’ interactions with Caiaphas. John explains that, after an initial hearing with the former high priest Annas, Jesus was taken across the courtyard to Caiaphas. Then, “they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters” (John 18:28).

As they arrived at Pilate’s offices, it is noted that they “did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover” (John 18:28). Ironically, as they were falsely accusing Jesus—the Messiah—so he would be executed, they were following the law to avoid defiling themselves by entering a Gentile’s house. Let’s not shake our heads too vigorously at the hypocrisy. We all have our blind spots. Well, I know I do.

Pilate hesitated to get involved in issues related to Jewish laws. He usually stayed in Caesarea; however, he traveled to Jerusalem for Passover because the Romans were worried about uprisings with the large number of Jews gathering for the feast. Additionally, the Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate early in the morning. His response was to tell them to “take him yourselves and judge him by your own law” (John 18:31). But they countered, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death” (John 18:31). 

The Romans authorized Jewish leaders to sentence individuals to death for specific crimes, such as when Gentiles were caught trespassing in the inner courts of the temple. The Jews approved Stephen’s stoning (Acts 7:58-60), and according to the Jewish historian Josephus, James the Just was stoned in the 60s. However, Stephen’s death was caused by “mob violence,” not a formal execution. James was executed during a time of change among Roman governors. When a governor was in office, the high priest could face punishment for carrying out a death sentence. Rome enforced the death penalty by crucifixion under their authority.^[1] Jesus predicted that he would die on a cross (John 12:32; 18:32).

Here's John’s account of Pilate’s interaction with Jesus:

John 18:33-38
So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” 

Jesus clearly told Pilate that his kingdom was not of this world. If Jesus’ kingdom had been an earthly one, which the Jews were hoping for, his “servants would have been fighting” to protect him. Jesus was on a mission. This was his purpose: “to bear witness to the truth.” To which Pilate asked, “What is truth?” Was Pilate being reflective or sarcastic? We assume he responded sarcastically. 

Pontius Pilate found himself in a tough spot. He often dealt with difficult situations because he had connections at a high level. Pilate wasn’t part of the aristocracy or the senatorial class; he came from the “knight” class, which was one level below. His friend, Sejanus, was Tiberius’s top assistant. When the paranoid emperor moved from Rome to the Island of Capri, choosing to govern from afar, Sejanus managed the empire. It was Sejanus who appointed Pilate as governor of Judea. Historian Tacitus quoted Marcus Terentius in his Annals, saying that friendship with Sejanus “was in every case a powerful recommendation to the emperor’s friendship.” ^[2]

Pilate served as governor of Judea from AD 26 to 36. Judea was known for its political tension and instability, and Pilate worsened the situation. He displayed Roman banners in Jerusalem, stole from the temple treasury to build an aqueduct, and displayed golden shields honoring the emperor. Each of these actions increased outrage and unrest. 

In AD 31, Pilate’s close associate lost his influential position. Sejanus was tried for treason, found guilty, and executed by Tiberius. Anyone connected to Sejanus was considered a suspect. Pilate was walking on thin ice. If a riot broke out and Rome believed he couldn’t maintain order, Pilate’s career and likely his life would be at risk. 

Herod Antipas was also in town for the Jewish Passover, not to celebrate, but to show Roman strength. When Herod the Great died, his kingdom was divided among his four sons, with Herod Antipas ruling over Galilee and Perea. So, when Pilate found out Jesus was from Galilee, he sent him to Herod. Herod mocked Jesus and sent him back to Pilate (Luke 23:6-12). 

Besides political pitfalls, Pilate faced personal problems at home. During Jesus’ trial, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream” (Matt. 27:19). After speaking with Jesus, Pilate told the Jews, “I find no guilt in him” (John 18:38).

It was a Passover tradition to release a prisoner. Pilate offered the Jews a choice between Jesus, “the King of the Jews,” and a notorious criminal named Barabbas. The people chose to free Barabbas (John 18:39-40). As a result, Pilate proceeded with Jesus’ trial, which would lead to his beatings and execution. 

We will examine the rest of Jesus’ interaction with Pilate to understand how the Jewish leaders exploited Pilate’s political weakness. However, the cross was not humanity’s doing. All the people, events, and political unrest aligned according to God’s divine plan. When the time was right, God sent his Son (Gal. 4:4-5). Jesus had to die so that we could live. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on John 18:28-40. Reflect on the sovereignty of God. He used people, circumstances, and events for his perfect plan. He does the same in our lives.

Talking to God:  In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise truth—like Pilate—out of fear, pressure, or self-preservation?

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