Encounters with Jesus 5: Pontius Pilate - Perplexed (Audio)

Over the last 4 weeks, we’ve heard the stories of Caiaphas, Mary the sister of Lazarus, Andrew, and his brother Peter.  This Sunday we’ll hear the story of Pontius Pilate.  His encounter with Jesus can be summed up with the word: Perplexed.

In John’s account we read the dialogue of Pilate with the Jews – and Pilate with Jesus.  While Pilate is trying to get to the truth of what Jesus has done wrong, Jesus is also asking questions of Pilate – and making claims that Pilate finds perplexing.  It makes the reader wonder: “Who is on trial here?”

What is common in all four Gospel accounts is that Pilate cannot establish a charge under Roman law to warrant the death penalty.  The Jewish leaders keep pressuring Pilate until he concedes to their demands.

It’s a travesty of justice!  Yet it is also a key part of God’s plan to justify us!