Takeaways

John spends a good bit of time (34 verses, compared to many other significant events in the book of John) showing us the interaction between Jesus and Pilate. 

We observe several things in this interaction:

1. Pilate is initially disinterested. He’s handling this situation only because he’s been placed in the middle of upheaval caused by the Jews’ response to Jesus.

2. Pilate only wants to acknowledge that Jesus isn’t guilty.

3. Pilate does seem to be bothered at times by Jesus (i.e., “What is truth?”)

4. Pilate seems to dismissively acknowledge Jesus as “King of the Jews” by posting this publicly, but we see no evidence that this made any personal difference to him.

Why would John spend so much time with this? It turns out that this character study guides us two-fold, helping us understand how others may respond to Jesus and believers to see how they, too, can have Pilate-like moments.

How others may respond when we talk about Jesus:

Disinterested – “Please don’t talk to me about Jesus/religion.”

Debating – challenging and pushing back on truths about Jesus

Dismissive – “That may work for you, but I control my life.”

Disengaged – “Jesus is a good guy/teacher, and He’s a good example to me, but I don’t think I need to go much deeper.”

How we may respond to Jesus at certain times of our life

Disinterested – “I don’t care enough about what Jesus would say about this situation.”

Diminished – “I know enough about Jesus already. He’s great, but I don’t know that He relates with what I go through.”

Dismissive – “I believe, but I also feel I am in control of my life, and I’ll make my own decisions.”

Disengaged – “I attend church weekly, read my Bible/pray occasionally. That’s all I can do right now. It checks off the boxes.”

We are offered a life with Jesus that is much more than going through the motions. Abiding with Him deeply is a tremendous experience. Is it time to check your “Pilate light” for responses that are too similar to his?

Reflection Prompters

After reviewing this message this week, consider these questions and pray that God will re-ignite a passion for Jesus in those areas.

1. Disinterested—When have you been less interested in your relationship with Jesus than at other times?

2. Diminished—Do you ever feel that Jesus isn’t “big enough” to help you through a situation? Do you doubt His ability to help?

3. Dismissive – In what ways are you tempted to take control of your daily life and decisions in a way that dismisses the power of God in your life?

4. Disengaged – where are you simply going through the motions of the Christian life? 

5. What has studying Pilate opened your mind and heart to this week?