Mark’s account of the encounter between Jesus and Pilate

Luke’s account of the encounter between Jesus and Pilate

Matthew’s account of the encounter between Jesus and Pilate

Historian Flavius Josephus’ near-contemporary account

The Pontius Pilate Inscription, an artifact corroborating Pilate’s status as governor under Tiberius Caesar

Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?”

“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”

“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

“What is truth?” Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.” (John 18:33-38, NIV)

Now, Pilate is an educated Roman. He likely would have been well versed in the philosophers of classical Greek and Roman traditions. On the other hand, Jesus’ followers have created quite a buzz throughout Judea, and the young rabbi is known for his ability to relate to common folk while dissecting complex theological issues with the intellectual and religious elite. Pilate obviously has heard of Jesus, of the rumor that he claims to be the “king of the Jews.” He uses this title in a direct question to Jesus. Pilate probably even knows that crowds of people have followed Jesus throughout the countryside. Now that the Nazarene is in Pilate's own courts, Pilate cannot resist engaging him in conversation.

I am fascinated that Jesus does not take the opportunity to beg for his life, or otherwise defend himself against his accusers. Instead, Jesus confronts the governor with his identity and purpose. By plainly saying he is a king of a realm “from another place,” Jesus seems to be playing into Pilate’s hands. But he also demonstrates that his rule is not in conflict with Caesar’s. Pilate is likely accustomed to hearing those brought before him grovel for mercy, hoping he will spare their lives. Instead, Jesus offers Pilate a choice—to accept or reject him, in terms Pilate would understand.

Jesus knew who he was. He understood why he was born and he knew what he would do before leaving the world and returning to his Father in heaven. Certainly he knew he would be crucified and within days be resurrected in fulfillment of the Scriptures. It is this knowledge that makes his demeanor at the trial so noteworthy. In the face of unjust accusations and hatred, Jesus is ministering to his accusers and now, to his judge! Throughout the trials before Herod and Pilate, Jesus is resigned and placid. Indeed, in his account of the encounter, Matthew records that Jesus makes no reply to the charges, “to the great amazement of the governor.”

And so, Christ gives Pilate an ultimatum; if you are on the side of truth, you will listen to me. Pilate’s response, “What is truth?” betrays his lack of belief in objective truth, a point that may have precluded him from accepting Jesus’ claims. Though it becomes clear that he does not intend to believe in Jesus, it’s also obvious he does not want to condemn him to death, and he says so to those assembled in the courtyard outside: “I find no basis for a charge against him.” Pilate orders soldiers to scourge him instead, thinking this will satisfy the crowd’s bloodlust and quell the potential rebellion stirring among them. But after Jesus’ tortuous scourging, his accusers are all the more incensed, and demand his death with such passion and hatred that Pilate reluctantly hands Jesus over to the mob, preferring to condemn an innocent man rather than risk a riot. Jesus’ message is just as relevant today, and he still demands an answer to the one he asked of his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?”