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Pilate: Modern Man

John 18:28-19:16 `

Great trials often determine the flow of history. The most significant trial that has ever taken place is the trial of Jesus of Nazareth. As He stands accused before the religious leaders and the ruling government, we discover Truth, and face the question everyone encounters: When it comes to life, especially moral issues, will we choose Christ or Caesar?

Jewish Trial

Jesus is betrayed by Judas, arrested and taken to appear before the Jewish leaders, Annas, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin.

The charge was blasphemy (claiming to be God). The punishment was death by stoning.

Roman Trial

Because the Jews had no authority to carry out capital punishment, they took Jesus to Pontius Pilate, governor of the Roman province of Judea.

Jesus is charged with insurrection, leading a revolution. The penalty from Rome would be death by crucifixion.

Pilate’s Key Questions to Jesus

Are you the King of the Jews?Jesus replied “My kingdom is not of this world…My kingdom is not of this realm… You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (John 18:36-37)

What is truth?Pilate departs from Jesus, not realizing he was standing in presence of Truth.

WHAT IS TRUTH?

A definition of truth in one syllable words that’s hard to debate. If you say what is that it is, and you say what is not that it is not, that is truth. If you say what is that it is not, and you say what is not that it is, that is not truth.

Perhaps the most influential philosopher on our modern culture was Hegel: thesis, antithesis, synthesis. This view has led the modern world to conclude there are no absolutes.

Pilate had been looking right into the face of Truth! Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6)

No fault or guilt found in Jesus

God the Father at Baptism of Jesus and Mount of Transfiguration – “This is My beloved Son.”

Disciples and friends referred to Jesus as the Righteous One, Lamb of God.

His enemies could find no fault – Roman centurion at cross declared righteousness of Jesus, and religious leaders found nothing other than His claim to be Son of God.

3 Times Pilate said he found no fault in Jesus. He “washed his hands” of his Jesus dilemma.

Not my problem – Told Jews to handle it…

Neutrality– Lateralled Jesus to Herod Antipas. Gave the people a choice: Release Jesus or the criminal Barabbas. The mob replied, “Give us Barabbas! Crucify Jesus!”

Compromise– Pilate had Jesus scourged and beaten. “Behold the Man!” Crowd shouted even louder, “Crucify Him!”

No Friend of Caesar!

When Pilate made the effort to release Jesus, the Jews shouted, “… you are no friend of Caesar!” Then Pilate brought Jesus before the Jews, “Behold, your King,” to which the chief priests replied, “We have no king but Caesar!”

THE CHOICE THEN AND TODAY: CHRIST OR CAESAR?

Three Moral Issues Facing America: Life, Marriage, Gender

#1 Issue of progressives and liberals is abortion, and it’s the greatest moral issue facing America.

Slave owners and pro-abortionists are just alike. Both approved by Supreme Court.

Dred Scott – Slaves not human, but property – no rights.

Roe v Wade – Life in the womb is not human – “property” of mother – no rights.

The reverence for life is the essence of Christianity and the essence for our nation if it’s to remain One Nation Under God with the right to Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness.

No compromise on moral issues!

We can’t be like Pilate and wash our hands and say “It’s not my problem. I’m going to be neutral. I’m going to compromise.”

Christ or Caesar? We must speak the truth and live the truth in love!!

Illustration of Judge in Dallas who gave her Bible to convicted woman

Final Thoughts

God does not send people to Hell. There is no garbage in Heaven, and we all have garbage. Jesus is Divine “Garbage Collector”.

May we not wash our hands like Pilate, but may we stand for Christ!

Christ or Caesar? When we choose Christ we will change America and we will change the world.

Think It Over

In what areas or ways are you tempted to “wash your hands of Jesus” by passing over problems, staying neutral, or compromising?

What are the implications of Jesus’ words, “Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice?”

Why does “Caesar” seem to have such a strong hold on our culture? How might you influence culture for Christ instead?

Barabbas knew Jesus was hanging in his place on a cross meant for him. Take some time to reflect on the truth that Jesus was crucified in your place on a cross meant for you.

Service Dr. Ed Young

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