“The Characters of the
Crucifixion”
Three recent reads have given much to reflect upon regarding
the passage under our discussion for today. The book authored by Robert
Wilkerson indulges the reader to walk with him and see the characters of this
chapter through the eyes of our “now.” Through the looking glass of words we
are able to stand in the crowd and experience the trials of Jesus. But nothing
is more gripping than seeking how to understand the rejection by two prominent
churches of an artist’s rendition of Jesus as being homeless resting only with
a simple garment upon a park bench while the ravages of time and weather take
their toll. Seeing this and reading of His rejection makes this chapter ever
more poignant.
One author observes that the response we have to God and His
Word reveals our lives now as well as our destiny for all of eternity. Take
Pilate for an example. He asked the question that we all need to ask of
ourselves: “Then what do you want me to do with the one you call king of the
Jews?” Make the question fit yourself. What should I/you do with the one we
call the King of the Jews? Wilkerson writes: We only have these choices: accept
or reject. Pilate had the same choices. He had heard his wife say “Have nothing
to do with this innocent man.” His heart and mind recoiled at the religious
leaders who had brought Jesus to him out of envy. He was amazed when Jesus did
not respond as the religious leaders had painted him and he had questioned him.
He was even more astonished when this popular teacher who had ridden into
Jerusalem on a docile animal with throngs surrounding him now stood before him
without a single supporter. Thinking that many would rally to his side Pilate
is placed in the position of deciding what to do when he asked “What wrong has
he done?” and heard instead: “we have no king but Caesar.” Jesus had told the
religious leaders that they were murderers and of their father the devil. Now
they will fulfill these words and choose a murderer to join them while casting their
King to remain as this statue: alone, homeless and without support.
Matthew records that Pilate washed his hands of the affair
seeking his own innocence—he said it but the stain remained upon his heart and
hands. Mark depicts Pilate as reluctant to execute Jesus. Neither Pilate nor
Herod could find any evidence to his being one calling for treason against
Rome. John records this fact: Pilate announces that he finds no guilt in
Jesus. Is Pilate innocent or guilty? Is
Pilate merely a figure in a historical record or is he a picture of who we all
are when faced with the King of Kings? The Word is clear: we all like Pilate
are guilty before God and in need of God’s grace.
One wonders how Pilate handled his conscience when the earth
was cloaked in darkness for 3 full hours after his orders to crucify Jesus. In
the darkness did he realize his error, did he ever repent? Did he ever allow
his sin to be subdued and forgiven by the man called the King of the Jews? Eusebius noted that Pilate committed suicide …but
no record has ever been found. Perhaps that is best…that we not know his true
end. He is just one very sad and tragic
character. He had the opportunity to bow the knee to Jesus who was the King of
the Jews but chose instead to wash his hands seeking absolution. There is only
one way to resolve the issue of “what shall I do with Jesus?” and that is to
accept His free offer of salvation.
Our question for today is: “Then what do you want me to do
with the one you call king of the Jews?” Have you accepted Him?
Picture courtesy of Susan Thistlewaite’s blog post “No Place to lay his head”: Jesus the Homeless Statue rejected.”