Jesus Before Pilate Series

The first accusation against Jesus was that he was misleading the nation. This was the most subjective of the three accusations. Jesus taught that he was sent by God to show the nation God’s way, which was of course different than the religious establishment’s way. But Jesus was simply teaching the people a correct understanding of God’s truth rather than the perversion that was being taught to them.

The second accusation against Jesus was that he was forbidding the payment of taxes to Caesar. This accusation was patently false. Jesus specifically taught that the people were to pay their taxes to Rome when he taught, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Luke 20:25).

And the third accusation against Jesus was that he was calling himself a king. This accusation was actually true, but not in the sense that religious authorities meant. I want you to notice the subtle but very important change in this accusation against Jesus. In his religious trial, Jesus was found “guilty” of blasphemy, that is, the improper use of God’s name. However, the Jewish leaders knew that Pilate had no interest in their religious law. And so the Jewish leaders changed the accusation from blasphemy to insurrection. They said to Pilate that Jesus was “saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” They knew that “Jesus’ claims to kingship would be a direct challenge to Caesar.” And they knew that this last accusation would be one that Pilate would have to address.

II. The Question of Pilate (23:3a)

Second, observe the question of Pilate.

And so Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” (23:3a). Pilate was not interested in their Jewish religious law. But he had to ascertain if Jesus was a revolutionary, which is what the Jewish Sanhedrin implied in their third accusation. If Jesus was a revolutionary trying to rebel against Rome, then Pilate would have to take action against him.

III. The Answer of Jesus (23:3b)

Third, look at the answer of Jesus.

And he answered him, “You have said so” (23:3b).

Jesus’ answer in Luke’s Gospel was short and cryptic. In John’s Gospel there was an extended exchange between Pilate and Jesus on the issue of his kingship. Jesus concluded that exchange by saying that his kingship was not of this world, meaning that he was not a political or military revolutionary. His kingship was a spiritual kingship.

IV. The Verdict of Pilate (23:4)

Fourth, notice the verdict of Pilate.

Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man” (23:4). Although the interaction between Pilate and Jesus did not last very long, Pilate believed that Jesus was not a threat to Rome. And so he declared Jesus not guilty of any crime against Rome. In fact, during the course of next hour or so Pilate declared the innocence of Jesus three times (23:4; 14-15; 22).