More Afraid Than Ever
The Jewish leaders play with Pilate.
…more afraid than ever.
It’s a fascinating moment. Just verses earlier, he was mocking Jesus with a crown and robe, trying to manage the angry crowd. But now, after hearing the charge “He claimed to be the Son of God,” something shifts.
Pilate becomes afraid.
There are likely layers to this fear. First, a Roman layer: emperors were often called “sons of the gods.” It was a political title—but also a religious one. Romans took divine claims seriously, even superstitiously. We might wonder if Pilate, standing before a man who speaks with calm power and refuses to defend himself, might have started to wonder: What if they’re right? What if this man really is of divine origin?
But there’s a second fear brewing too—a much more practical one. The Jewish leaders follow up their accusation with a threat: If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Why this was a concern for the Jews isn’t entirely clear…except that it wasn’t just a dig. It was likely a formal warning. Friend of Caesar could refer to an actual title—a status Pilate may have held. To lose it would be dangerous. To seem disloyal could cost him everything.
The Jewish leaders may have been wrong. But they were not stupid.
So Pilate retreats, goes back inside. He tries one more time with Jesus. But Jesus won’t play the game. He just says, “You would have no authority over me if it hadn’t been given to you from above.”
And that’s it.
Pilate, who has the authority to judge, finds himself judged. Not by the crowd. Not even by Jesus. But by the very moment itself—a moment that makes clear who’s really in control, even though he is in chains and a mocked up king costume.
John 19:7-12
The Jewish leaders replied, “We have a Law, and according to this Law he ought to die because he made himself out to be God’s Son.”
When Pilate heard this word, he was even more afraid. He went back into the residence and spoke to Jesus, “Where are you from?” Jesus didn’t answer. So Pilate said, “You won’t speak to me? Don’t you know that I have authority to release you and also to crucify you?”
Jesus replied, “You would have no authority over me if it had not been given to you from above. That’s why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” From that moment on, Pilate wanted to release Jesus.
However, the Jewish leaders cried out, saying, “If you release this man, you aren’t a friend of the emperor! Anyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes the emperor!”
Psalm 75:6-7
Exaltation doesn’t come from the east, west, or south. No. God is the one who judges: He brings this one down and lifts up that one.
Prayer
God,
As I begin this week, give me the tools I need to respond to each situation that arises. I don’t imagine I’ll end up in chains like Jesus this week. But I could anticipate some difficult conversations. (Also some really good ones, too.)
Regardless of what comes my way, help me to act and speak out of grace.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.