24.200 | ARE YOU THE KING OF THE JEWS? | Mark 15:1-5 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Text: Mark 15:1-5 (ESV)

And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.

ARE YOU THE KING OF THE JEWS?

The religious leaders have already convicted Jesus of blasphemy according to the Mosaic law (Mark 14:63–65). But, they have to find what capital offence against the Roman law they will present Him worthy of death. Thus, they have to go to Pilate early the next morning. As their custom is, the Roman officials are conducting trials in the early morning. If the Sanhedrin waits until later in the day, Pilate will not be available. At evening, the Sabbath begins, so they need to move fast.

Under the Roman law, they are allowed to enforce their own ceremonial laws and some civil laws. However, while they can accuse someone of a capital offense, they cannot execute anyone. Only an appointed Roman official like Pilate can authorize capital punishment. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, has convicted Jesus of the crime of claiming to be "the Christ, the Son of the Blessed" (Mark 14:61). "Christ" is Greek for Messiah. But, at this point in human history, the term would mean nothing to Pilate yet, or virtually anyone other than the Jewish people.

Pilate has a limited understanding of Judaism. He has to prove the charges and hear the response of Jesus. Hence, he asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Without hesitation, Jesus said, “You have said so.” The claim that Jesus is King of the Jews began with the wise men (Mat 2:2). Jesus has affirmed that claim (Mat 20:21; Mark 9:1) and the travelers to Jerusalem believe it (Mark 11:10). In addition, every time Jesus calls Himself the "son of man," He is claiming to be the figure spoken of in Daniel 7:13–14. The ‘Ancient of Days’ will give the son of man "dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him…" (Dan 7:14). Thus, in principle, this would put Caesar and Rome under Jesus' authority.

In John 18:34-38, Jesus makes the question personal and asks if Pilate is inquiring on his own behalf. This is a not-so-subtle reminder for Pilate. A reminder that he is acting on the accusations of others, not his own knowledge. Jesus is also giving Pilate the opportunity to see the truth of who He is. Jesus explains that His kingdom is not ‘in this world’, but it is real. In the end, Pilate realizes Jesus is not a threat to him or Caesar. He gave Jesus the chance to defend Himself which Jesus refused Jesus' refusal has strengthened His own enemies’ resolve.

Jesus could have exercised His authority as king. Satan offered Him the world (Mat 4:8–10). But Jesus is more concerned with saving souls than taking His rightful throne before it is time (John 6:27, 40). It makes no sense to take a kingdom of people who are enslaved to sin for eternity. Only by dying can He lead the people free. Hence, He’s King coming as the Suffering Servant. As Isaiah writes, "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth" (Isa 53:7).

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