Jesus, Pilate and the Crowd

This meditation is based on a passage for July 24, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Matthew 27:11-23

Reflection and Question: I have always found Jesus’ response to Pilate’s question here completely mystifying. Pilate asks, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus replies, “You say so.” The notes in the New Revised Standard Version suggest Pilate is claiming that Jesus is a political subversive. This would make Jesus’ response more understandable than Pilate assenting to Jesus being the leader of God’s kingdom on earth. I suppose Jesus’ response is an acknowledgment that His death is inevitable. He is allowing Pilate, the Jewish officials and the crowd do their part to speed His end. How do you understand Jesus’ words here?

Prayer: Precious Jesus, shed Your Light upon Your words and behavior in these last hours before Your death on the Cross. Spare us from the sins of Pilate, the chief priests, elders and the whole crowd. We bow at Your humility and courage. Amen.