“Lord Jesus in His testimony before Pontius Pilate made a good confession.” (I Timothy 6:13) Many observers of the conversation between Pilate and Lord Jesus conclude, Pilate was standing trial before the Lord. The whole conversation has not been recorded; John gives the essence only. There are three important themes the Lord taught the Roman governor.
1) Kingdom: For Pilate, the Roman Empire was absolute and his piece of kingdom was reality. It was a shock to hear: “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36) Lord Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom, calling all hearers to repent. (Mark 1:14-15) Did Pilate understand the Eternal reality of God’s Kingdom?
2) Truth: When Pilate needed more clarification, the Lord said: “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” (John 183:37) Lord Jesus explained the purpose of incarnation – to bear witness to the truth, indeed He is the truth. (John 14:6) The kingdom of God is based on Truth and not on brutal military power. Confused Pilate asked the personification of Truth- Lord Jesus: What is truth? (John 18:38)
3) Power: When the Jewish leaders accused Lord Jesus of blasphemy as he claimed Himself as Son of God, Pilate was perturbed. “Where are you from…Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” (John 19:9,10) Lord reminded Pilate that he had no authority unless bestowed from heaven.
The gospel demands repentance; call to embrace, accept and receive the Truth and surrender to the Lordship of Saviour Jesus Christ. Sadly, Pilate did not grasp the gospel, instead he washed his hands, rejected Christ and the gospel. In fact, he committed spiritual suicide as he gave death sentence to Lord.
Do I understand Kingdom, Truth and Power?