In Pilate’s Judgment Hall
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tion, He plainly stated His own mission. He gave Pilate to understand
that He was not seeking an earthly throne.
“My kingdom is not of this world,” He said; “if My kingdom
were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be
delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence. Pilate
therefore said unto Him, Art Thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou
sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came
I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone
that is of the truth heareth My voice.”
Christ affirmed that His word was in itself a key which would
unlock the mystery to those who were prepared to receive it. It had a
self-commending power, and this was the secret of the spread of His
kingdom of truth. He desired Pilate to understand that only by receiv-
ing and appropriating truth could his ruined nature be reconstructed.
Pilate had a desire to know the truth. His mind was confused. He
eagerly grasped the words of the Saviour, and his heart was stirred
with a great longing to know what it really was, and how he could
obtain it. “What is truth?” he inquired. But he did not wait for an
answer. The tumult outside recalled him to the interests of the hour;
for the priests were clamorous for immediate action. Going out to the
Jews, he declared emphatically, “I find in Him no fault at all.”
These words from a heathen judge were a scathing rebuke to
the perfidy and falsehood of the rulers of Israel who were accusing
the Saviour. As the priests and elders heard this from Pilate, their
disappointment and rage knew no bounds. They had long plotted and
waited for this opportunity. As they saw the prospect of the release of
Jesus, they seemed ready to tear Him in pieces. They loudly denounced
Pilate, and threatened him with the censure of the Roman government.
They accused him of refusing to condemn Jesus, who, they affirmed,
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had set Himself up against Caesar.
Angry voices were now heard, declaring that the seditious influence
of Jesus was well known throughout the country. The priests said, “He
stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from
Galilee to this place.”
Pilate at this time had no thought of condemning Jesus. He knew
that the Jews had accused Him through hatred and prejudice. He
knew what his duty was. Justice demanded that Christ should be
immediately released. But Pilate dreaded the ill will of the people.