John - Jesus Before Pilate

Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate served to demonstrate his innocence. But he was also standing before the court of heaven charged with the sin of the world; Pilate, though acting independently, was also in effect God's agent. The trial also shows much of human nature. The leaders of the people were more concerned with ceremonial matters than with truth and integrity. Pilate's attempt to appease them led him onto a slippery slope of one sin after another till this deputy of God abandoned responsibility for justice and became concerned only with his own safety. Jesus did not defend himself (for he was making himself an offering) but he did assert God's prerogatives. Many lessons for us all.