When Love Comes to Town Part 2

The Grand Paradox

Read: John 18:28-19:16; John 14:6; John 17:1-5

When Jesus walked into Pilate’s judgement hall, a trial took place, but what also transpired was a grand paradox.  Though Pilate reigned as Roman governor, Jesus remained King of Kings Whose dominion encompasses Earth, time and space. Though Pilate dismissed truth as undiscernible and irrelevant, its embodiment stood before him. This bound, accused man before him was his only hope of eternal life, whether he dismissed or accepted it. 

The governor wielded his power of life and death over Jesus, Jesus restrained His power in order to complete the mission at hand. 

Though Jesus was the victim of a kangaroo court and blood-thirsty mob, Pilate was at their mercy. In total control from eternity past, Jesus walked resolutely into this moment determined to complete the mission. The threat of riot terrified Pilate lest the brutal boot of Rome crush him. As the mob questioned his loyalty to Caesar, he caved.  In a symbolic yet futile attempt to release all culpability, he washed his hands of Jesus, acquiescing to the mob. Though Jesus faced fear as well, with courage, he walked into jaws of death, allowing it a temporary victory, for He knew what must be done—He also knew the journey’s end.

Something to Ponder

Pilate wielded power, yet proved himself a weakling. Jesus stared death in the face and walked toward the cross, to save the ones who cried for His blood and all who would believe in His name.