So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd,
— Matthew 27:24
Pilate in Judeah
Pontius Pilate landed a plum job as Prefect of Judea under Caesar Tiberius (26-36 A.D.), but he abused his role and history remembers him as a political monster.
First, there was the matter of the Roman Banners he brought into Jerusalem at the beginning of his reign. The Jewish people were opposed to “graven images” and deeply resented the Roman occupation of their country. Pilate, like most petty tyrants, tried to exercise a firm hand at the beginning of his reign by bringing the banners into the city and displaying proudly above the people. His plan completely backfired and Pilate was forced to take them down (Josephus, War 2.9.2; Antiquities of the Jews. 18.3.1; cf. Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History. 2.6).
Next, Jerusalem was badly in need of an additional water supply. The question was how to pay for the aqueduct. Pilate raided the temple treasury to pay for it causing yet another riot (Josephus, War 2.9.4; Antiq. 18.3.2).
The third historical episode that we know of took place in Samaria. A rebelious group of Samaritans followed a false prophet to the top of Mt. Gerizim. Pilate had them slaughtered on their way. This direcly led to his recall and downfall.
Luke records yet another incident that we can’t confirm from sources outside the Bible but they certainly fit Pilate’s profile.
There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices, (Luke 13:1).
The Day Jesus Died
Early Friday morning, the old high priest demanded an audience with Pilate concerning Jesus of Nazareth. The Jews refused to come inside his palace, so Pilate sat in the gate and listened to them, (John 18:28 ff.).
Pilate knew it is out of envy that they brought Jesus to him (Matthew 27:18), but he doesn’t release Jesus. Instead he plays games:
Legal Gambit: “No basis for a charge. Whom shall I release Jesus or Barabbas?” (John 18:25 ff.)
Pass the Buck: “It’s a Galilean affair,” (Luke 23:6 ff.)
Appeal for Pity: “He has done nothing worthy of death. Behold the man!” (John 19:5)
Pacify the Crowd “I will punish and release him.” (Luke 23:16)
Wash His Hands of the Affair, (Matthew 27:24).
What Can We Learn?
Like Pontius Pilate, people still love to play games, but playing games with God is a very dangerous affair. Here are some of the games that I have seen people playing with God.
How good is good enough? I’m basically a good person. God wouldn’t condemn me, would He?
What’s the minimum? Do I need to have a perfect attendance record to go to heaven?
A Super-Abundance of Grace Our Catholic neighbors adore the “saints” who were so good, they believe, they more than met the minimum. Therefore, they teach the saints share their excess goodness with us. The Protestant version says, “God will let me into heaven because my granny/wife/husband was such a good Christian.”
The Escape Clause These people depend on the love and patience of God. They succumb to temptation because they believe, “You can always repent later.”
The Herodian Sub-Clause When the Apostle Paul defended himself before Herod Agrippa, the ruler put off becoming a Christian. “Now is not convenient.”
Be Sincere
For Christians, there is no room for game playing, therefore:
- Be honest in your speech.
- Be honest in your relationships.
- Be honest with your God!
Some Things to Think About
Knowledge
- Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. Why didn’t he do the right thing and release him?
- Why didn’t Pilate listen to his wife? (Matthew 27:24).
Attitude
- The heart of gamesmanship is hypocrisy. What is the cure for that?
- Why is sincerity so difficult for some people?
- What advice would you give them?
Action
- How can we learn to be more sincere?