“What is truth?” Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. John 18:38
Amazing.
Here is Pilate caught between a rock and a hard place, not wanting to make a decision. His one guiding principal is to save his neck. He is torn in his decision because he has no absolute truth. He has no unwavering standard of right and wrong by which to determine what should be done in this situation. As a result of Pilate’s lack of knowing truth, he is about to condemn “The Truth” to death.
The sad reality is that Pilate is face to face with, even conversing with “The Truth.” Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Pilate is blind to the truth sitting before him.
I believe that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. I know him to be true.
Do I play the role of Pilate at times? Do I not recognize the truth that is in front of me? Do I dismiss the truth that I know to be true for expediency.
Father, I thank you for Jesus…The Truth. I thank you that you have made yourself known to me through him. Help me to recognize your truth, to live by your truth, and to be known by your truth.
Posted by Mark Michael on Wednesday, March 26, 2008
March 26th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
In this scene, I am struck by the apathy of Pilate. He does not know what to do so he chooses to let others decide the fate of Jesus. I think this happens so often, especially in war times, as Elie Wiesel correctly pointed out about World War II. If one has the POWER to do good, then responsibility comes with that. In today’s world, Africa is a perfect example.
I am also struck by the humanity of John. Many times throughout this book of the Bible, I have been reminded that John was human, with human flaws. Although he was a chosen disciple, he exhibits very human traits . . .
March 27th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Jesus has acceptance of his fate and it surely must have been very difficult for the human part of Him.
Peter has the courage to cut off a mans ear in the olive grove, yet he denies knowing Jesus 3 times(fullfilling Jesus’ words) because of fear when it all becomes so real!
Like Pilate, we sometimes do not recognize truth, but I pray we recognize Gods’ truth in our lives whenever necessary. If we are on the side of truth, Jesus says we listen to Him. I want to hear what He has to say and follow His voice in my daily life.
When given a choice, the Jews chose Barabbas over Jesus because he was a rebel or a hero in their eyes. Jesus preached peace and love and gave rules to live by. I hope I would have chosen Jesus if I had been there!!