“Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’” John 18:33

Pilate at this point went back inside the praetorium to question Jesus (it is not clear whether Jesus himself had been brought inside prior to this). He asked Jesus, “Are You the King of the Jews?” It is difficult to discern Pilate’s attitude at this point. Imagine yourself saying that sentence. Try saying it over and over but at each time change the inflexion on each word. As you do so, the sentence can show us its many meanings. Try “Are You the King of the Jews?” with resultant feeling of unbelief. “Are You the King of the Jews?” gives the feeling of incredulity and sarcasm, but “Are You the King of the Jews?” seems to be suggesting that the Roman governor was impressed by Jesus’ regal disposition and dignity. “Are You the King of the Jews?” seems to be implying that His royalty is not in question but asking whether He is just restricted to dominion over the Jews.

As we go further in the chapter we find that Pilate probably thought Jesus to be harmless (hence innocent) in his Roman eyes. However, in today’s world, how do we discharge our duties when in positions of power? Do we mislead people by asking the right question in the wrong way? Do we just avoid pursuing the truth because we feel it is not our position to pry? Sometimes, we have to burst into other people’s business to make sure greater wrongs are not perpetrated. How many children would be alive today if someone had just decided to ask that difficult question or gone into that house to make sure they were alright?

As Edmund Burke said “All that is needed for the forces of evil to succeed is for enough good men to remain silent”.

Lord Jesus, inspire us by Your courage to be bold in Your service, however difficult that may be. Amen.