John 19:1-16

Pilate’s attempt to solve his dilemma by releasing Jesus (instead of Barabbas) was not the only thing Pilate tried.  John’s account tells us that even after the mob cried out for Barabbas, Pilate had Jesus scourged and then tried to release Him (19:12).  Perhaps he thought that after seeing the bloodied face and body of Jesus they would have mercy on one who was without fault.  Let us set the scene.

·        The Praetorium (Common Hall, Judgment Hall or Palace).  Recent discoveries in Jerusalem have led some to believe this refers to the palace of Herod near today’s Jaffa Gate and Citadel of David.  There has been what some consider to be the Gabbatha, the bema/judgment seat, found near that location just outside the walls today.  But the traditional site for Jesus’ trials has been the Fortress Antonia, on the NW corner of the Temple Mount.  We believe it makes sense that Pilate would have been in this location at Passover as the fortress was built for the very purpose of keeping the peace at those times when there was a lot of activity going on in the temple area.  There was always a Roman guard there.  There were foundation stones found that some consider to be the judgment seat.  (Note three possible locations for the Praetorium on the map on this page.)  

·        Scourging.  Under the Romans the culprit was stripped, stretched with cords on a frame and beaten with rods.  Another form involved a handle with three lashes of leather that often had pieces of metal fastened to them. (FWF)·       

Photo of the thorny naba tree.

Crown of thorns.  “Hasselquist, a Swedish naturalist, supposes a very common plant, naba or nukba of the Arabs, with many small and sharp spines; soft, round, and pliant branches; leaves much resembling ivy, of a very deep green, as if in designed mockery of a victor’s wreath” (HA; picture is of this tree).

If Pilate had any thought that the chief priests and officers would have some mercy when they saw Him he was very wrong.  They cried out, saying, “Crucify, crucify!”  It is at this point that the Jewish leaders explain their predicament.  From their view point, He deserved to die for claiming Deity (He made Himself the Son of God).  This hits Pilate, increasing the fear he already had from his own concerns about putting an innocent man to death as well as the warning from his wife.  So he returns to the Praetorium to speak again to Jesus.

Pilate’s question is profound.  Where are you from?  One frequent way Jesus made His claims was to talk about where He came from.  John the Baptist said, He who comes from above is above all … He who comes from heaven is above all … For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God (John 3:31,34).  In confronting the Jews Jesus had said: You are from beneath; I am from above.  You are of this world; I am not of this world (John 8:23).

Jesus did not immediately answer Pilate’s question; but in 19:11 He did: You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.  Jesus is making it clear that Pilate and for that matter the Roman Empire is not calling the shots in this situation.  God, the One who is above, is doing what the Psalmist said would be marvelous in our eyes (118:22-24).  The stone is being rejected by the builders (the shepherds of Israel); but that stone will become the chief cornerstone.  That is the day the Psalmist is speaking of when he says, This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (118:24).  

In the end Pilate does what he can to relieve his own conscience and to bring the Jews to truly own this.  Who would think the Jews would ever say, We have no king but Caesar!?  Or, His blood be on us and on our children (Mt. 27:25)?  But these are the depth to which evil men will go in order to suppress the truth in unrighteousness.  Yet we can say, these are those for whom Christ died!