8/22/10 Mark 15:1-5 Jesus and Pilate

1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. 2 "Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate. "You have said so," Jesus replied. 3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of." 5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.

(Ecce Homo- Antonia Ciseri)

Thoughts: Pilate was not concerned if he was God or not, but if he was a king or not.  It was a secular question.  Today, many are like Pilate- they don't care about this spiritual stuff, they just want to know about human power, money, and titles.  Jesus made no reply (in keeping with Isa. 53:7).  But it is likely that Jesus thought that no reply would be good enough or make any difference.  John records that Jesus said only 3 things: "My kingdom is not of this world" and "You are right in saying I am a king-all who want truth listen to me" and "You would have no power if it were not given you from above" (Jn. 18:36,37; 19:11).  Pilate refused to recognize he is subject to the king of kings.  He also refused to recognize any truth (ironic for a judge who is trying to determine if someone is guilty or not).  Today many in our postmodern age have a hard time recognizing truth when they see it.  We much prefer to focus on the gray than the black and white, and prefer to focus on this world than include the reality of the spiritual kingdom of God- present both now and in the world to come. 
 
Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize that you are the truth and worthy of hearing; and the king of kings and worthy to be obeyed.

John Calvin abridged: The Son of God chose to stand bound before an earthly judge, and there to receive a death sentence, in order that we, delivered from condemnation, may not fear to approach freely to the heavenly throne of God.  We should remember how dreadful is the judgment seat of God and that we would never be aquitted there unless Christ had been pronounced guilty on earth- and therefore we should not be ashamed to honor his chains.