So Pilate ruled Judea on behalf of Rome during the time of Jesus. Now, while other governors were a little easygoing, not Pilate. He was a military man all about the Empire.
He had utter contempt for the people, especially the religious leaders. Pilate couldn’t care less ‘bout their dietary laws, washing cars, going to Walmart on the Sabbath, and getting mad when he and his friends barbecue pork ribs.
Despite his disdain, the big church HNICs (Head Negroes in Charge…of not much) brought Jesus to him.
Now, Pilate clearly didn’t see Jesus as a threat and tried to set him free.
But, on one accord, the HNICs rose with the energy that could have been directed to improving the lives of their people to threaten Pilate that if he didn’t crucify Jesus, who claims to be a king; they’ll tell Rome. This wasn’t a threat to be taken lightly.
See, Pilate’s governing default style was violence, intimidation, and disrespect. Well, the HNICs knew that the word was that Rome was getting sick of his rule of bloody mayhem, ruining the Empire’s soft power reputation of peace.
They would use his Achilles heel to kick Jesus out once and for all. These HNICs hated Jesus not because of the miracles that confirmed He was the Messiah but because He threatened their perks of subservience; having a seat at the table, oblivious to the fact it’s the little one.
Jesus moved with the freedom of the Spirit rather than permission by the State, and having Jesus around painfully reminded the HNICs of their comfort and joy with the status quo.
So, with the possibility of his breezy retirement along the Mediterranean on the line, Pilate said ok Jesus dies.
But old habits die hard, and not long after, Pilate killed many Samaritans basically on a religious observance. It was all over social media. And over for him.
With Jesus and Pilate out of the way, it was happy days are here again for the HNIC’s til ‘bout 40 years later, when Rome came and tore their playhouse down. They had taken themselves more seriously than God. It was by God’s word, all because they had put more faith in an earthly kingdom than one that will never pass away.
Reference: John 19:1-15
