Matthew 27:1-14
Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty.
“Notice what you notice.” Judas: “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” (v. 4) Again, my sympathies for Judas… Is Judas’ quote a confession, a sign of true repentance? Did he get that part right before deciding his own fate a few hours later? I do wonder about Judas.
By contrast, The Chronological Study Bible says that we should have no sympathies for Pilate! He had many options available to him and he chose the path of least resistance. Josephus also reports that Pilate had been ruthless in his dealings with others on a number of occasions. According to our CSB, “Pilate was responsible for … the release of a convicted assassin and the condemning of the righteous Son of God to torture and death.”
Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. (vv. 11-12) I find it intriguing that Jesus would respond to Pilate, but not to the Jewish leaders. Later John reports a lengthy discussion between Jesus and Pilate, but again nothing when the Jewish leaders accuse Him. As I reflect on all our previous readings, I don’t recall any other occasion when Jesus refused to respond to the Jewish leaders’ charges. Maybe because now He was before the Roman governor? Or maybe He was just tired of their accusations…??!! I prefer the latter explanation!
Slava Bohu!
When we read the events at Caiaphas’ house, Jesus was silent on questions they knew or were twisted, but did say I AM when asked if he was the Messiah, the critical question. I think to Pilate, who hadn’t heard the good news, Jesus responded.
I always wonder about Pilate’s reactions in years to come. I can’t imagine he didn’t feel guilt for sending a man he knew was not guilty to his death—especially one who was so composed and who spoke to him like Jesus did. But perhaps the pride and arrogance of being a Roman and being in power overpowered these feelings.
Did he hear the stories of Jesus rising from the dead? I’d like to think he repented and believed, even if he kept it to himself because of pride.