Introduction The chapter began with the tragedy of Judas (vv.3-10) and now continues with the trial before Pilate (vv.11-26). Remember Jesus has six trials: (1) Jesus before Annas. (2) Jesus before Caiphas. (3) Jesus before the whole Sanhedrin (chapter 27:1-2). (4) Jesus before Pontius Pilate. (5) Jesus before Herod. (6) And before Pontius Pilate once again. Matthew condenses the two trials before Pilate into one narrative found here in chapter 27 (vv. 11-26). Matthew ignores the trial before Herod which is recorded in Luke 23:6-12. Matthew is more interested in convincing his Jewish readers that Jesus is King of the Jews. Judas delivered Jesus into the hands of His enemies (chapter 26:47-50). The religious leaders delivered Jesus to Pilate (chapter 27:1-2). Pilate will deliver Jesus over to be killed (vv.27-37). But before Pilate hands Jesus over for execution he himself will be confronted by the claims of Jesus. Have you ever asked the question; Why did Jesus have to die? Later in this same chapter Pilate will ask the religious leaders and the Jewish crowds; What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ? (v.22). They all said to him, Let Him be crucified! Then the governor said, Why, what evil has He done? They cried out all the more saying, Let Him be crucified! (vv. 22-23). Why was Jesus crucified? The short answer is to fulfill prophecy. The longer more complicated answer is to serve as a sacrifice for our sins. Our sins separate us from God. God loves us. God hates sin. We are sinners. Somehow God must satisfy His absolute holiness and His great love for us. Paul the Apostle answers the question in part; But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6). Jesus did not come into this world to receive just treatment from an enlightened humanity. Sin made sure of that. The King s Sovereignty (v.11) Matthew 27:11 14 (NKJV)11Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, Are You the King of the Jews? Jesus said to him, It is as you say. Pilate asks Jesus; Are You the King of the Jews? From Matthew s perspective it may be the most important question in this Gospel! It is in fact the theme of this Gospel! Matthew paints a picture of Jesus as the prophesied King. The first ten chapters focus on the revelation of the King; in chapters 11-13 Matthew records the rebellion against the King; chapters 21-27 focus on the rejection of the King and the final chapter is devoted to the resurrection of the King (chapter 28). Every chapter Matthew has been building his case that Jesus is indeed the King of the Jews, the King of Israel; King of the World and the King of the Universe. 1
This is the first real confrontation between Christ and Caesar. The religious leaders swear Jesus is a threat (v.12). Jesus is dangerous. How is Jesus dangerous? Does Jesus command an army? Yes an army of angels. Could Jesus destroy Rome with a single word? The answer is yes. But Jesus did not come into the world to destroy Rome or to embarrass His Jewish brothers. Donald Grey Barnhouse writes: The Lord Jesus Christ did not come to the earth to set up a code of ethics or found a new religion. He came to fulfill the purpose that was ordained before the foundation of the world. When he came as a baby, He took on bodily form in order to die. The purpose of having hands was that they might be pierced. The purpose of feet was that they might have spikes driven through them. The purpose of the head was to have a crown of thorns thrust upon it. It was by Jesus death that the great tension within God had to be resolved. How will Pilate treat this man? In order to answer that question we must ask ourselves the question who was Pontius Pilate? We learned earlier that Pilate was the Procurator or governor of Judea. He was at first subject to the legate in Syria and ultimately to the Emperor in Rome. As prefect Pilate had access to Roman soldiers to secure the safety and security of the province. His chief job was to make sure that Judea generated income for Rome and to secure Rome s interests in the province. Tiberius left Rome in 26 AD and left Sejanus in charge of the daily administration of the Empire. Some scholars suggest that Sejanus appointed Pilate to the position of prefect or procurator of the province of Judea. Pilate served in that capacity from 26 AD to 36 AD. Pilate was removed shortly after the death of Tiberius in the beginning of the brutal reign of Gaius Caligula. Caligula removed Pilate for inhumane treatment of the peoples of Judea. This would be like Hitler removing Mussolini for ill treatment of the Italian people. The legends surrounding the life and biography of Pilate are full of fantastic speculations. What seems certain is that Pilate was born in Seville Spain and rose in rank to what was known in the Roman world as Equestrian. The province of Judea was full of strife and sedition. Pilate had been warned several times to secure the area and promote peace. On Pilate s first visit to Jerusalem he brought the Roman Standards with the shields of Tiberius. In times past, out of respect for Jewish religious beliefs concerning idolatry, Roman governors would remove shields and standards that bore images of animals or Caesar. Pilate refused to remove the standards and a riot broke out. Pilate wanted to suppress the riot and so rounded up the rioters and took them to a nearby amphitheater. Pilate warned the rioters that unless they ceased and desisted their riot he would have them executed. The brave Jews extended their necks and offered themselves as sacrifices rather than allow the hated images in the Temple proper. Pilate backed down. Word got back to Rome that Pilate had been beaten by a band of obstinate Jews. Two years later Pilate tried something new. He attempted to build a fresh water aquaduct in the northern part of the city using funds from the Temple Treasury. Another riot broke out. This time blood was shed to quell the riot. Then only a few months before the trial of Jesus there was another incident. Pilate ordered new armor for his troops. Their shields bore the image of Tiberius Caesar. The Jews 2
again considered this a form of idolatry and rioted again. When Tiberius got news of it he sent a message back to Pontius Pilate secure peace or lose your job. Roman trials always had four elements: (1) A formal indictment or accusation; (2) The examination by the presiding Officer or Judge; (3)The Defense where the accused was allowed to petition or summon witnesses or advocates on the accused s behalf. (4) The last element was the verdict. Pilate insists on a charge or formal accusation. What does Pilate really know about Jesus? Verse 18 in this chapter gives us a clue! The real issue is envy! Pilate knew that jealousy and envy were motivating the religious Jews! Pilate knew firsthand how easily the Jewish religious leaders could manipulate people and circumstances to their advantage. Pilate simply refuses to carry out the execution order. What are the charges? Jesus was found guilty of blasphemy. But blasphemy was not a capital crime under Roman Law. If the religious leaders mention the true charge, the case will be thrown out. The Jews side step the issue. They put up a smoke screen. In John s gospel (John 18:28-38) Pilate asks What accusation do you bring against this Man? (v.29). The religious leaders answer: If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you (v.30). Pilate s response; You take Him and judge Him according to your Law (v.31). The religious leader s answer is it is not lawful for us to put anyone to death (v.31) that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death he would die (v.32). Jesus must die according to prophecy. The religious leaders are in effect saying; forget the trial, render a verdict of guilty and execute this prisoner. Roman s were very proud of the rule of law and order. The Jews were very proud of their religion. The Greeks were very proud of their philosophies. It has been said that the Jews gave us religion, and the Greeks culture, but the Romans gave us the foundations for the rule of law and government. Pilate is under the microscope of Rome. He can t afford to make another mistake. He demands legal charges! Not just trumped up charges! They scream the desperate fact that they are subjects of Rome in submission to Rome. John s gospel makes clear this is happening to fulfill prophecy. Since the Sanhedrin have brought Jesus to Pilate they would have to submit new charges; worthy of death. The charges are sedition and treason. I suspect when Pilate woke up that morning he anticipated making some choices. But he had no idea that the most important person he would ever meet and the most important decision he would ever make would be made that day! He was not going to decide the fate of Jesus. That decision had already been made in Heaven by God in eternity past. Pilate was deciding his own fate. I am sure that Pilate at this point sensed in some way he was on trial. I am also sure Pilate was annoyed and upset that the Jews would bother him with this nonsense about Jesus. Maybe you woke up this morning annoyed and upset that someone would drag you to church to hear one more in a series of sermons you have heard your whole life. You never imagined you would come face to face with Jesus. Decisions made today will have eternal consequences. Pilate is about to have his moment in history. We all do. We ask Pilate s question; Are you the King of the Jews? 3
Pilate would play a role in the unfolding story of Jesus. But make no mistake about it. Pilate is now on trial. Pilate was a proven leader. Procurator of Judea was meant to be a stepping stone in an illustrious career of service that would generate wealth and power and respect. Pilate had fallen into some very fortunate circumstances. He had married the granddaughter of Augustus. Now Pilate goes on trial. The true judge is Jesus and the true prisoner is Pilate. Agrippa faced a similar situation in Acts 26 when he heard Paul preach the message of the Gospel. No man comes this close to the light exposed to this light and comes away unchanged. Are you the King of the Jews? The answer is yes. The King s Silence (vv.12-14) 12And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. The accusations start to fly hurled by the entourage screaming at the gates. But they won t go in; lest they be defiled (John 18:28). Too late. The stain is already present. They are willing to keep the minute details of the law but they ignore judgment, mercy, faith and justice. They are willing to hand over God s Messiah to Rome. Israel had made keeping the Law their religion. In Judaism doing something or failing to do something could make you unclean. But Jesus made it clear that holiness was a matter of the heart. Personal purity began in the heart and continued in the heart and ended in the heart. Remember the religious leaders have brought Jesus to Pilate because they are unable to kill him themselves. This was the prerogative of Rome. Roman law did not always follow the rules of justice and fairness. But Rome s leaders gave lip service to Rome s law. The Romans had made law a form of art. There were elaborate rights and rules and punishments. Western Civilization owes a great debt to Roman jurisprudence. 13Then Pilate said to Him, Do You not hear how many things they testify against You? Pilate knew that whatever religious claims were being disputed it was jealousy and envy and hatred that motivated the accusations. How do we that? Mark 15:10; For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. What were the accusations? Luke 23:2; And they began to accuse him saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. The Sanhedrin takes the position of being Rome s champion! Protecting Rome s interests! We are standing up for Caesar! They accuse Jesus of treason perverting the nation (Israel) and undermining Rome! Was that truth? Was Jesus perverting the nation? No! It was a half-truth. Jesus said, Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar but give to God the things that belong to God (Matt.22:15-22). Who were the real tax dodgers? It was true that Christ 4
claimed to be King. He had proven His identity in every way! No wonder Pilate asked; Are you the King of the Jews? The Lord s answer was a firm yes! It is as you say. If Jesus would have said no he would have lied. In John s gospel we are given more details. After Pilate asked; Are you the king of the Jews? (18:33) Jesus answered him, Are you speaking for yourself on this, or did others tell you this about Me? (18:34). Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have you done? (v.36); My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight; so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here. Pilate therefore said to Him Are you a king then? Jesus answered, You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice. Jesus in effect says to Pilate; Why are you asking Me this? Did someone report to you about who I am? Did your own soldiers bring you news that I was fomenting an insurrection? Or did Jews tell you about Me? In other words Jesus is asking are you asking Me this question as the commanding officer of an occupying force or are you asking Me this because you really want to know whether or not I really am the Messiah? Pilate s response Am I a Jew? Pilate s response could be translated What am I a Jew? Your own people and the chief priests delivered you over to me; what have you done? (John 18:35). Pilate simply knew what other people had told him about Jesus. What do you know about Jesus? Are you at the mercy of others who have simply told you about Jesus or have you examined for yourself His words and His claims? In John s gospel three times Jesus uses the expression; my kingdom. He says my kingdom is not of this world. If that were the case my servants would have put up a fight to keep the Jews from taking Me and delivering Me to you. My kingdom is not here not now! Every word is carefully chosen by Jesus. Jesus has a kingdom. It is not of this world. It is not a physical kingdom that poses a threat to Caesar or Rome. Pilate s question; Are you a king? Answer you say that I am a king. To this end I was born. And for this cause I came into the world, that I should bear witness of the truth. Everyone that is of the truth hears My voice (John 18:37 b). Three of the gospels say; you said it or yes I am. John s gospel gives the expanded and emphatic answer. Jesus is the King. He was King before He ever stepped foot on the planet earth. He came to bear witness to the truth. The truth about God. The truth about sin. The truth about eternal life. Jesus came to answer the really big questions about reality and existence and eternity. His kingdom is not simply Jewish. His is a universal kingdom. Jesus is the King of the Truth. Everyone who loves truth listens to what Jesus has to say. The fact that someone is not interested in what Jesus has to say means they aren t really interested in the truth. Pilate turns to Jesus. He is silent, serene, even majestic. Jesus doesn t seem to fit the profile of a dangerous revolutionary. The demeanor of Jesus does not seem to fit the crimes to which he is accused. Pilate s view of the religious leaders sinks even lower as he hears the screams and the 5
accusations! Pilate knows the charges are ridiculous, preposterous and he expected Jesus to defend Himself against the false accusations. Roman law required hearing the charges against the person and then hearing that person s defense. The judge would then retire seek counsel or advice consider the matter and then render a verdict. Sentence would be carried out immediately. 14But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. But Jesus is silent. Pilate is amazed! Accused of capital crimes he offers NO DEFENSE. If Jesus doesn t answer Pilate has no choice but render a guilty verdict. But Jesus is obviously not guilty. Pilate recognizes the plot against Jesus and Pilate wants to let Him go! But the pressure is building to keep peace in the province. The words in John 18:33-38 makes it clear that Jesus is no threat to Rome. Jesus is innocent of any crimes against Rome. So why was Jesus silent? His silence was predicted in Isaiah 53:7. Jesus knows that it is futile to answer the charges. Jesus has come into the world to save the world. Jesus has no reason to prolong the trial and he has no intention of saving Himself. Jesus will not speak for the duration of the trial. Is He fearful or afraid? Angry? No. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep is silent before its shearers, So He opened not His mouth (Isaiah 53:7). There is one more reason. Pilate had been told the truth. Jesus will give Pilate no more truth. Why? Pilate has been given the truth and he will be given no more truth until Pilate acts on the truth delivered. Jesus is waiting for Pilate to act on the truth. What happens when you know the truth and then fail to act on the truth? Jesus said, Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice (John 18:37). Pilate s now famous reply; What is truth? And when he said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, I find no fault in Him at all (John 18:38). Think about what is happening in the text. Jesus is reaching out to Pilate. Jesus invites Pilate to search his heart! The last thing in the world that Pilate wanted was a rebellion. The prisoner Jesus exercises dignity, self-assurance and a settled peace that no guilty criminal could conjure. Pilate must have wondered and thought what was going through this Galilean s head? Luke records another phase in all this Pilate discovers that Jesus is a Galilean and sends Him to Herod Antipas who just happened to be in town for Passover (Luke 23:6-12). Herod will mock and return Jesus back to Pilate. In Luke s gospel it says that Herod questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing (Luke 23:9). 6
Conclusion Don t be afraid when Jesus speaks. Be afraid when Jesus no longer has anything to say to you. You should be concerned when you can no longer hear or recognize the Savior s voice. Pilate marveled. Pilate issues his verdict; not guilty. Case closed. Summary Judgement. No defense. At this point Jesus should have been set free. By Roman Law Jesus is acquitted. Jesus stood in front of a mortal judge so you could stand in front of an Immortal Judge and receive mercy for sin. Forgiveness for your real crimes against God. Pilate has found Jesus Not Guilty but the Jewish leaders will not accept the Court s verdict! The crowd screams and begins to riot! Pilate can t afford another Jewish uprising! This is Pilate s first attempt to release Jesus. Pilate must try a new tactic to secure the release of Jesus. Pilate will order a brutal beating in hopes that this will illicit some sympathy for an innocent man who has done nothing! Donald Grey Barnhouse: God has just as much hatred for my sin as He has love for my soul, how can God strike my sin without destroying me? The answer is in Jesus, who came so that God could take my sin and put it on another. 1. What does the trial before Pilate reveal? At times we know what s right and choose what s wrong. 2. We each have our moment in history. 3. We must all make our decision about Jesus guilt or innocence. When we acknowledge His innocence we must confess our own guilt. 4. We must be careful not to resist the truth. When we refuse the truth we are left without purpose or direction. When Jesus reveals truth to us we are expected to act on it. 5. Can you hear the voice of Jesus? 7