Chapter XXVII--The Accusatioins
When the Jews brought Jesus to Pilate, he asked them, "What charges are you bringing against this man?" (John 18:29) They responded with three accusations. "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king." (Luke 23:2)
The first charge against Jesus was somewhat true. It was basically accusing Jesus of undermining the authority of the high priests, Pharisees, and Sadducees. Jesus certainly confronted them when they superseded their authority. When they placed their traditions over the commands of God, Jesus made it clear that this was wrong. (Mark 7:9) Jesus never disobeyed the Mosaic law, but He did at times disregard the rabbinic laws.
The second charge was totally unjust. Jesus did not oppose the payment of taxes to Caesar. In fact, when the Pharisees and the Herodians tried to trap Jesus by asking him, "Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" He replied "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." (Mark 12:13-17) No doubt this charge was voiced in an effort to force Pilate to hear the case, since such an offense would certainly have to be deal with by him.
The third charge was that Jesus claimed to be the Christ, a king. They wished Pilate to react to this in a political sense. Someone openly claiming to be a king would certainly have to be dealt with. Jesus had admitted before their own council that He was the Christ, but even his own disciples did not fully understand that His kingdom was not to be of this world.
Nothing could be more groundless than the accusations brought against our Lord before Pilate, but Pilate has Jesus brought into the palace for further questioning. What will be his decision?
The first charge against Jesus was somewhat true. It was basically accusing Jesus of undermining the authority of the high priests, Pharisees, and Sadducees. Jesus certainly confronted them when they superseded their authority. When they placed their traditions over the commands of God, Jesus made it clear that this was wrong. (Mark 7:9) Jesus never disobeyed the Mosaic law, but He did at times disregard the rabbinic laws.
The second charge was totally unjust. Jesus did not oppose the payment of taxes to Caesar. In fact, when the Pharisees and the Herodians tried to trap Jesus by asking him, "Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" He replied "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." (Mark 12:13-17) No doubt this charge was voiced in an effort to force Pilate to hear the case, since such an offense would certainly have to be deal with by him.
The third charge was that Jesus claimed to be the Christ, a king. They wished Pilate to react to this in a political sense. Someone openly claiming to be a king would certainly have to be dealt with. Jesus had admitted before their own council that He was the Christ, but even his own disciples did not fully understand that His kingdom was not to be of this world.
Nothing could be more groundless than the accusations brought against our Lord before Pilate, but Pilate has Jesus brought into the palace for further questioning. What will be his decision?