John 19: Pilate, Not So Innocent

John 19

The least explicit of the crucifixion accounts. I had forgotten this and had been gearing up to be devastated. I still am, don't get me wrong, but in a different way. I noticed instead for the first time how many ways Pilate tried to get out of having anything to do with the whole affair....and how Jesus seems to reassure him. Vs 11 “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” Pilate isn’t completely off the hook but he isn’t 100% to blame. He takes it, and the scripture tells us that “from then on Pilate sought to release him” alas, peer pressure sucks and the fear of not being Caesar’s friend and losing all his stuff was too much. Scripture tells us Pilate washed his hands of the whole thing. Could he sleep well after this? Did he see Jesus after the resurrection? History tells us through records and archeological evidence uncovered as late as 1961 that Pilate was a ruthless and hated ruler that showed contempt for the Jews and was not well loved by his own men. He eventually killed himself rather than face charges brought before him. I believe this is in line with God as is everything He does. He is not an unjust God. Just as he used Pharaoh whose heart was already hard, he used an already hardened Roman regional ruler. Our God is a just God and a merciful God. I am grateful for that. In accordance with scripture, it had to be the Jews who crucified Christ and not the Romans and it couldn't be a Roman who believed in Him, or he wouldn't have been turned over. God always has it worked out. That is always so fascinating to me!

Make no mistake, I was and am always devastated when I read the account of the death of my Lord. But I am comforted knowing that the resurrection is coming! Sometimes it is good to look at what is going on around as well. There are so many layers to scripture don't you agree?