[:en]Scripture Reading: John 18:28-40
Biblical Truth: While the Jews could not find any crime to condemn Jesus, Pilate asked Jesus a politically-charged question: “Are you the King of the Jews?” When Jesus answered: “Yes, it is as you say” (Mat. 27:11, Mark 14:2, Luke 22:70, 23:3), it became the bullet to the Jews’ empty gun to strike Him. The issue became political: King Jesus vs. Emperor Caesar.
Pilate found no basis for a charge against Jesus. But when he tried to set Jesus free, the Jews shouted: “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar” (John 19:12). To free himself from guilt, Pilate took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd and said: “I am innocent of this man’s blood. It is your responsibility” (Mat. 27:24). But in order to keep his job and satisfy the crowd, he neglected justice by convicting Jesus and releasing Barrabas.
Personal Application: When Pilate said to Jesus: “You are a king then”. Jesus answered: “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact for this reason I was born and for this I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me. Then Pilate asked: What is truth?” (v. 37-38) “Jesus said: I am the truth, the way and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6) Are you seeking the truth?
Prayer: Lord, grant me the wisdom to submit and listen to the truth.
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