Scripture: 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. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Matthew 27:11-14 ESV
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Observation: Recapping Yesterday’s Daily Focus, Matthew turns from the Passion narrative to an epilogue of Jesus’ betrayer. When Judas sees the outcome of his treacherous and egregious actions, resulting in Christ’s condemnation, he attempts to reverse the course of Jesus’ capital sentence. So he returns to the chief priests and elders, confesses he sinned by betraying an innocent man, and offers to return the ransom of thirty pieces of silver. Unmoved, the religious leaders rebuff his confession. So Judas throws the coins into the temple, storms away, and despairingly hangs himself. Convinced of their rightful course of action, the chief priests gather the silver (acknowledging that it is blood money) and, after deliberating, purchase the “potter’s field,” which Matthew notes is now called the “Field of Blood.”
Today’s reading returns to the Passion events, with Jesus appearing before the Roman governor Pilate. Getting right to the point, Pilate asks Jesus if he thinks he is the King of the Jews. (He does not ask if others suppose he is the King of the Jews.) And Jesus minces no words with the reply, “You have said so,” a formulaic response previously used to fluster the religious leaders. Intrigued, Pilate rhetorically asks if Jesus has not heard any of the chief priests’ indictments against him. Still, to Pilate’s amazement, Jesus remains silent to each charge as the governor recites them.
Takeaway: Pilate, the procurator (i.e., the financial officer of the Judean province), is most concerned about maintaining law and order and forwarding the tax revenue to Rome. The Jewish historians Josephus and Philo tell us Pilate was both weak and cruel—not a good combination for Israel’s and his well-being, for he sought what was expedient to his success while lacking the strength to contain the religious leaders’ influence. Ironically after serving as governor for ten years (26-36 CE), Emperor Gaius exiled him to Gaul, where Eusebius records Pilate committed suicide under forceful duress.
In stark contrast to the weak and cruel Pilate, Jesus exhibited wisdom, humility, and meekness (restrained strength). And he modeled for us two points from his earlier sermons with his concise response:
- “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil” (Matthew 5:37 ESV).
- “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (Luke 12:11-12 ESV).
So what’s our takeaway? When under pressure, where do we place our trust? In ourselves, our intellect, street savvy, charisma, physical prowess, wealth, or perhaps our godly behavior that would earn the outcome we desire? Jesus solely trusted in his Father’s goodness and perfect will. He knew he could call on a legion of angels to rescue him, but he also knew that this apex in history was God-ordained, and nothing could thwart it. That’s a trust that instills supernatural peace, strength, and composure!
So when we face trials, but Christ’s supernatural strength and peace seem to elude us, we would do well to reevaluate where we are placing our trust. A quick adjustment could restore our composure and empower us to press into the fray resolutely.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son who resolutely set his face toward Calvary. And we thank you for the Holy Spirit, who empowers us with supernatural peace and strength to address conflict. Still, we often struggle to trust you and appropriate these gifts of the Spirit. So would you please help us cooperate with your Holy Spirit and quickly repent and refocus when we misplace our trust so he can firmly restore us to carry out your perfect will resolutely? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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