In Pilate’s Judgment Hall
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these hypocrites pretended to be jealous for the authority of Caesar. Of
all the opponents of the Roman rule, the Jews were most bitter. When
it was safe for them to do so, they were most tyrannical in enforcing
their own national and religious requirements; but when they desired to
bring about some purpose of cruelty, they exalted the power of Caesar.
To accomplish the destruction of Christ, they would profess loyalty to
the foreign rule which they hated.
“Whosoever maketh himself a king,” they continued, “speaketh
against Caesar.” This was touching Pilate in a weak point. He was
under suspicion by the Roman government, and he knew that such a
report would be ruin to him. He knew that if the Jews were thwarted,
their rage would be turned against him. They would leave nothing
undone to accomplish their revenge. He had before him an example
of the persistence with which they sought the life of One whom they
hated without reason.
Pilate then took his place on the judgment seat, and again presented
Jesus to the people, saying, “Behold your King!” Again the mad cry
was heard, “Away with Him, crucify Him.” In a voice that was heard far
and near, Pilate asked, “Shall I crucify your King?” But from profane,
blasphemous lips went forth the words, “We have no king but Caesar.”
Thus by choosing a heathen ruler, the Jewish nation had withdrawn
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from the theocracy. They had rejected God as their king. Henceforth
they had no deliverer. They had no king but Caesar. To this the priests
and teachers had led the people. For this, with the fearful results that
followed, they were responsible. A nation’s sin and a nation’s ruin
were due to the religious leaders.
“When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather
a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the
multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just Person: see
ye to it.” In fear and self-condemnation Pilate looked upon the Saviour.
In the vast sea of upturned faces, His alone was peaceful. About His
head a soft light seemed to shine. Pilate said in his heart, He is a God.
Turning to the multitude he declared, I am clear of His blood. Take ye
Him, and crucify Him. But mark ye, priests and rulers, I pronounce
Him a just man. May He whom He claims as His Father judge you
and not me for this day’s work. Then to Jesus he said, Forgive me for
this act; I cannot save You. And when he had again scourged Jesus, he
delivered Him to be crucified.