In John 18:19-40 Jesus is questioned and then taken to Pilate to face judgment.
Pilate was annoyed that the Jewish religious leaders brought Jesus to them. He told them to judge Jesus themselves, but since Jews were not allowed to carry out a death sentence they needed Pilate.
It is ironic that the Jewish leaders would not enter Pilate’s headquarters because they did not want to be defiled so that they would be able to eat the Passover meal (John 18:28). Yet, here they were, not recognizing their Messiah, and leading the perfect Passover lamb to his death.
Pilate questioned the Jews, asking what crimes Jesus had committed, but they were unable to give a reason. He then questioned Jesus, asking if he was King of the Jews.
Jesus tells him…
“My kingdom is not of this world…You say that I am a king. 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 18:36-37
Jesus made it known to Pilate that he was, in fact, a King and with his words, he declared the truth that he was God in the flesh.
After his conversation with Jesus, Pilate told the Jewish leaders that he found Jesus innocent. He gave them the choice of either saving Jesus or Barabbas, and they chose Barabbas.
They were so full of hatred, afraid of the truth, and blind that they chose a murderer over their long-awaited Messiah.
How often do we choose our own sin over our Messiah?
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