Pilate’s Compromise

John 18:28–40
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Pilate sought to compromise to please both sides. Long before His arrest in the garden, the Jewish leaders had planned to kill Jesus (John 11:47-51), but they lacked the right to execute him. Seeking Roman approval, they brought Jesus before Pilate (v. 28). Pilate wasn’t anxious to get involved in a Jewish court case, especially at Passover. He asked them for a formal accusation against Jesus, which they lacked (v. 29). They wanted Pilate to just accept that Jesus was a criminal (v. 30). Pilate asked them why they hadn’t pass sentence on Him according to their own law (v. 31). The Jews were limited to stoning as a method of execution. If Pilate authorized it, Jesus would be crucified (v. 32), the method Jesus had predicted (Matt. 20:17-19). In a private interview, Pilate asks Jesus if He was the “King of the Jews” (v.33-35). Jesus said He had no political motives in mind, as His kingdom is a spiritual one (vv. 36-37). Pilate declared Jesus’ innocence three times yet subjected Him to a terrible beating (18:38-19:1).  His actions spoke louder than his words. He was a weak-willed man who hoped to find a happy compromise. Pilate asks the question, “What is truth?” (v. 38), only to turn away from the one who is “The Truth” without waiting for an answer. 

Satisfied that Jesus wasn’t a political threat to Rome, he declared Him innocent. Pilate should have set Him free but instead compromised, trying to bargain with the Jewish leaders. Pilate attempted to shift responsivity back on to the Jews by taking advantage of an established precedent, the release of a prisoner during Passover. Counting on Jesus’ popularity with the people, Pilate offered to release either Jesus or Barabbas, a notorious criminal (vv. 39-40). The crowd, manipulated by their leaders, asked for Barabbas. In an atmosphere of patriotic fervor, they acted according to their feelings, abandoning logic. National feelings increased during Passover, and a vote for Barabbas was a vote against Rome.

Application

Pilate was a very indecisive man. He was only interested in protecting himself and his job. When have I had an opportunity to help someone but just didn’t want to get involved so passed it on?