When looking at the passion week, we think about the variety of people; Jesus, Peter, Judas, the other disciples, the Chief Priest, and the crowds; but have you taken time to look at Pilate? Not much is known about Pontius Pilate during his 10 years as governor of the Roman province of Judaea, outside of his impact on the trial of Jesus. Pilate is mentioned in all four of the Gospels:
Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. – Luke 23:20
But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. – John 19:15
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” – Matthew 27:24
Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. – Mark 15:15
Pilate is a vital part of the passion story. He is remembered as pleading with Jesus to stand up for Himself, asking Him to defend the accusations that were being presented against Him. Pilate also tried to let Jesus go, but the leaders replied, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.”
When thinking about letting go so that God can lead us in our lives, we don’t always see what God is intending to do down the road. Pilate had the authority to release Jesus, but even though he didn’t find any fault in Jesus, he gave up and washed his hands, claiming that Jesus’ blood was not on him. If Pilate had held on, even to his own beliefs, how the story would have changed. Even in the Apostles’ Creed he is remembered for how his actions led to our salvation.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. – The Apostles’ Creed
Brent Manning, Director of Communications
