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The King Is Interrogated

Matthew 27:11-14
Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, 'Are you the king of the Jews?' 'You have said so,' Jesus replied. When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, 'Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?' But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge – to the great amazement of the governor. (NIVUK)

Pilate was not a nice man. He had previously been responsible for unnecessary bloodshed in Israel where he was much disliked; and had been in trouble with the Emperor in Rome for his mismanagement of public order offences in Israel. The last thing Pilate needed was to be politically trapped between the religious people in Israel and his masters in Rome.
 
Although the religious leaders had decided that Jesus must die, they had no legal right to take His life. That lay with the Roman Governor, Pilate. But although Jesus was accused of blasphemy, that was not a capital offence under Roman law. So they offered the accusation of treason – Jesus has said that He was a king (an offence against the Majesty of Rome). So Pilate asked Jesus if it was true.
 
Jesus was clear. Pilate had expressed the truth. The scope of His kingly rule was not discussed, but He was indeed the King of kings and Lord of lords. However under Roman law, the accused had the right to defend himself. But Jesus said nothing; there was no need to protest that He was not a King, because He was. But this silence disturbed Pilate. Instead of the pleading or screaming from prisoners, it was as if Jesus was prepared to die even though Pilate had no legal mandate to execute Him.
 
Accusing God is foolish. God is always right and never wrong. And yet many mere mortals seem to think that they have the right to question God about what He has done and is doing. They want to be able to blame someone other than themselves. It is a cowardly and wicked approach, especially to God. The paradox is that it is us who has done wrong and yet Jesus was willing to accept the blame for our sins. Despite that, He is still the King who rose from the dead and now has full authority over everything, everywhere. So before blaming God for our own sins, thank Him that He has chosen to take the blame for them.

Prayer 
Loving God. Thank You for letting Jesus Christ accept the blame for my sins. I submit to Him as my King. Forgive me when I have dared to accuse You of failing to meet my standards, when You offer free forgiveness when I have failed to meet Yours. Please help me to have a healthy respect for You so that I will not criticise what I do not understand, or blame You for things that can never be Your fault. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams