Prideful Pilate

Pilate was not only pliable, but also prideful. That pride was in part what kept him from discovering for certain the answer to his age-old question, "What is truth?" (John 18:38).

When Pilate questioned Jesus as to whether He was a king, Jesus asked him: "Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of Me?" (v. 34).

"The Spirit of God was striving with Pilate. The question of Jesus was intended to lead him to examine his own heart more closely. Pilate understood the meaning of the question. His own heart was opened before him, and he saw that his soul was stirred by conviction. But pride arose in his heart, and he answered: 'Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee unto me: what hast Thou done?' Pilate’s golden opportunity had passed." The Story of Jesus, pg. 126.

That wasn't the only opportunity. After Pilate's inquiry, the Saviour went on to explain the nature of His kingdom, which made the governor again ask if he were a king. "Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice" (v. 37).

"Pilate had a desire to know the truth. His mind was confused. He eagerly grasped the words of the Saviour, and his heart was stirred with a great longing to know what the truth really was, and how he could obtain it. He asked Jesus: 'What is truth?'" Ibid., pg. 126.

The Bible tells us that after he asked Jesus, Pilate returned to the scene of tumult. He never knew what Jesus would have said. If he hadn't resisted the first time, he would have known the answer. Thankfully, we can know it. In the previous chapter, verse 17, He said, "Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth."

And yet, how many of us refuse the answer, even though it's right in front of us, for the very same reason Pilate missed his golden opportunity? How many of us refuse that which could give us life because it doesn't flatter us, because it doesn't mesh with our plans? All of us have been there at some point, to some degree; there's no denying it. Some, however, have admitted that this is indeed the truth, and submitted to it--though it hurts, in more ways than one. The result? They have found it to be their "shield and buckler", as the psalmist said  they would (Psalm 91:4). May we all choose--initially and continually--to see past our pride, and grasp the truth with mind and heart! We will not be disappointed.

Blessings,
Jean