John 19:1-16
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Pilate Error
I am struck today by what some have called, “Pilate Error.”
A humiliated man
History knows Pontius Pilate as brutal, stubborn, and willing to provoke the Jewish people by things like attempting to use temple funds for his aqueduct or bringing idols into Jerusalem in the form of Roman military symbols. He’s best known for allowing the crucifixion of Jesus. But what we might not think about is his insecurity.
Pilate was middle management. He was a governor, sent by Ceasar to represent Cesar in Judea. More respected governors went to better areas. Judea was likely one of the worst assignment. Any governor assigned to Judea was being humiliated. That is where we meet Pilate.
Not only was Judea not the wealthiest place in the empire, it also had a huge concentration of Jewish people. They were so much trouble for Rome! Especially at this time of year, around the Jewish festival of Passover. Jews from across the region would gather in Jerusalem. And there was enormous political tension between the Jewish people and Roman authorities…Jerusalem at this time of year was like a "powder keg"... ready to explode at any time. So, Pilate would bring extra troops, and he himself would stay in Jerusalem during the Passover. He didn’t usually live there.
He was uncomfortable, frustrated to be in Jerusalem…and he seems almost afraid of the Jewish leaders, not wanting a conflict. They cry out to hm and imply that if he doesn’t kill Jesus, it will make him look like he is an enemy of Ceasar. Oh my! That hit him where it counts! You see, they’re playing on his fears! Pilate gets caught up in his own fears, his own desire to hold onto power, his own self-interest…In the midst of these priorities, he ignores the injustice he is being asked to support.
We’ve got to give him a little credit, that at least he recognized that Jesus was innocent. But, he buckles under pressure to keep his own power – to avoid a scene. He goes along with the crowd. He says, this injustice is not a big deal. And he says, I’m not responsible.
One “Pilate Error” is Silence in the face of injustice.
I think of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who said
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice,
you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
Pilate stands neutral and Jesus is condemned to die.
Pilate told himself lies while ironically revealing the truth about Jesus.
Pilate told himself lies while ironically revealing the truth about Jesus.
Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews”? - The answer is YES!
Pilate looks Jesus in the eye and asks, “What is truth?” – The answer is that Jesus is Truth!
Pilate declares to the whole Jewish assembly, “I find no case against this man.” Then he has Jesus flogged and presents him again, expecting the people to be satisfied with this unjust torture. And he declares again, “I find no fault in him.”
Pilate says much more than he understands – declaring Jesus King, Truth, and without fault.
One more thing he declares is, “Behold the man.” While Pilate is mocking the pathetic figure of Jesus after being beaten, flogged, and dressed in a crown of thorns and a robe.
Jesus was, in fact, not just a man. Jesus is the image of God, a perfect version of what God created every human to be. Way back in the book of Genesis we read that God created Adam and Eve in the His image. God’s image-bearers is what you and I are created to be. What does that mean? We are designed by God to reflect God’s character. We, of course, are imperfect at this.– God’s image.
Pilate Error – Examples of Lies we believe
Pilate’s error is essentially a lie that he believed.
PILATE BELIEVED THE LIE
SILENCE IN THE FACE OF INJUSTICE WASHED AWAY HIS RESPONSABILITY.
JESUS DECLARED THE TRUTH
STANDING AGAINST INJUSTICE IS A RESPONSIBILITY AS GOD’S IMAGE BEARERS.
e.g.: John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for the people of the Twin Cities – Metro Surge, Tens of thousands of Minnesotans took to the streets in Peaceful Protests, and continued with Rapid Response Activities. Amy Klobachar noted that these events made Minnesota not only the center of the nation’s heartbreak, but also the center of the nation’s hope.
Pilate Error #2
PILATE BELIEVED THE LIE
HE IS THE CENTER OF LIFE, SO HE FOUGHT TO PROTECT HIS REPUTATION, HIS PRIVILEDGE, AND HIS COMFORT.
JESUS DECLARED THE TRUTH
GOD IS THE CENTER OF LIFE, SO LET YOUR LIFE REFLECT GOD’S IMAGE AND GOD’S LOVE
Pilate Error #2
PILATE BELIEVED THE LIE
FORCE PREVAILS IN THIS WORLD.
BUT JESUS DECLARED THE TRUTH
LOVE PREVAILS.
JESUS DECLARED THE TRUTH THAT LIFE IS ABOUT LOVE AND JUSTICE.
“The Truth will make you free” (John 8:32)
Ok, I have a little homework for you this week. Now you're going to stop coming to church! No, don’t worry, there is no accountability for this homework. It’s actually a gift. I made this little sheet of paper for you to use for seven days. This week, I'm going to give you an opportunity to use this, and after communion we’ll hand these out as you go back to your seats. You can all get one If you'd like.
These are affirmations for you this week. And for the next seven days, I would just invite you to read these at the beginning of the day. There's no law abiut when to read them, but I, I’d recommend the morning so you can walk with them all day.
Day 1 - God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of love and sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Day 2 - The Lord has given me power and authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will hurt me. Luke 10:19
Day 3 - I am a new creation in Christ, Old things have passed away and all things are new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Day 4 - Lord, I choose to dedicate my body to You as a living sacrifice. I will not conform to this world but will be transformed and renewed in my mind. Help me Lord. Romans 12:1-2
Day 5 - God is my refuge and my strength, my help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1
Day 6 - Because I choose to submit myself to God, I resist the devil and he flees from me. James 4:7
Day 7 - Lord I thank You that in spite of my sins, you accept my confession. You are faithful and just and forgive my sins again today. Your mercy is an everlasting mercy. 1 John 1:9
Download SCRIPTURAL AFFIRMATIONS Here
Pastor Doug Cox