Monday, April 15, 2013

Jesus - Pilate- The Crucifixion



“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.”