By Jim Nichols

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to make a decision, and it just seemed like an impossible one? On the one hand, this direction seemed to be the best but, on the other hand, the opposite appeared strongly attractive.

What if the decision is not just about an ordinary aspect of your life, but one with deep moral implications? That was Pilate’s problem.

There are several descriptions in scripture where individuals seem torn between opposites. Often, as in Pilate’s case, it is truly facing either darkness or light.

Pilate is mentioned before Jesus’ last days, but just barely. Early in the book of Luke, Pontius Pilate is identified as the Roman governor of Judea. Later in the book, there is an implication that he had his soldiers murder some Jews in the act of offering sacrifices and mixed their blood with that of their offerings. That would be, of course, abhorrent to the Jews.

For Christians, the most compelling and significant detailed story in scripture is the depiction of the events and characters involved in Christ’s last days, his death, and his resurrection. The gospel writers each have their own version, and each adds a different flavor and information for us. The book of John has a particular focus on Pilate and, more specifically, his dilemma and, literally, his physical movements during just a few hours.

The story in John begins with the arrest of Jesus. One can imagine the confusion of all the participants that night, from the arresting soldiers to the followers of Jesus who were present. There were Jews with the crowd, and they whisked Jesus away, bringing him first to Annas, the former High Priest. He was then taken to Caiaphas, the son-in-law of Annas, and the current High Priest. Already we sense that no one knew for sure what should be the next step. After an encounter with Caiaphas, Jesus was sent to Pilate, the current Roman Governor. He lived in the praetorium, the residence and headquarters for the area ruling officer. 

Because it was near the Passover celebration, the Jews did not enter the praetorium for fear of becoming ceremonially defiled; they waited outside, and Pilate came out to see them. This was the first physical movement we see from Pilate. 

Once in front of the crowd, he asks what their accusation against Jesus is. When told he is claiming to be King of the Jews, he tells the crowd that is none of his business and they should manage it themselves. Becoming more agitated, the crowd replies that they do not have authority to put someone to death (which is their desire). That appeared to raise the stakes in Pilate’s mind, so he retreated into the praetorium. This was another physical movement from Pilate.

He summons Jesus and engages in a discussion about truth including Pilate’s famous question, “What is truth?” 

Seemingly frustrated, Pilate moves back outside to the crowd of Jews and argues that he sees nothing of which Jesus is guilty. They shout him down and ask that a common thief, Barabbas, be released instead of Jesus.

Pilate then returns inside the praetorium, has Jesus scourged, and takes him out to the crowd as evidence that he has been punished. Still unsatisfied, the Jews demand that Jesus be crucified. 

Again, Pilate takes Jesus back inside with him and questions him more. He then returns to the crowd with Jesus and tells the listeners, “Behold your king.” The crowd shouts, “Crucify him.” With that, Pilate hands over Jesus to them and washes his hands ceremonially to represent that he is through with this complicated situation.

Our last view of Pilate concerns the Jews complaining that the placard on Jesus’ cross reads “King of the Jews.” He will not soften that statement, but says, instead, “What I have written, I have written.”

This may be a well-known story to many of you, but it is so foundational to Christianity that we must not miss at least two points.

The first is to note the government and faith contrast. Author Richard Rohr has summarized “. . . the empire is an unreliable partner” and “Culture eats Christianity for breakfast.”

The second is to see the parallel between Pilate and us. This is not just Pilate’s problem and decision; it is the problem and decision each of us must make.

Jim Nichols is a retired Abilene Christian University biology professor and current hospital chaplain