Thoughts on the Gospel of John (191) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, if you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha.
John 19:12–13

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (191)
Pilate has investigated the accused “King of the Jews”. But what has happened here is extraordinary: the judge has found no guilt in the accused, but the accused has found guilt in His judge. Jesus speaks of a “greater sin” with regard to the high priest and his servants, but Pilate has also sinned against Him. People from the Jews and from the world of the nations are committing the greatest crime ever committed here.

Pilate is obviously impressed and astonished. He makes another attempt to release the Lord. But Jesus’ clever accusers know how to exert the necessary pressure so that Pilate finally sees no other way than to give in to their demand.

In view of the tense relationship between Pilate and the Jews, he can only regard their clamour as a direct threat. They would accuse him before the emperor if he released Jesus. And that could have serious consequences: Pilate would then not only have to fear for his office, but also for his life.

As little as the accusers and the judge understand each other, they are cut from the same cloth: the Jewish leaders “loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (ch. 12:43); Pilate cares more for his honour with Caesar than for a judgment based on truth and justice. Now the time has come for Pilate to pronounce judgment. For this he sits down on the judgment seat. How grotesque: an unjust man judging the Just!

(to be continued on Sunday 15 June)

Today’s reading: Genesis 37:1-17 · Psalms 22:10-22