“We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate: crucified, dead and buried.” Pilate’s name appears in the ancient Apostles Creed to highlight the historical basis of Christianity. Jesus of Nazareth was a real man who lived and died in first century Palestine, when the Jews were under the rule of Rome. Pilate was appointed by the Emperor Tiberius to serve as Governor of Judea in AD 26. It’s a matter of historical record. Little did Pilate know that his whole career would be defined by one decision, or that people around the world would be talking about it 2,000 years later. In John 19, he ironically cries out, “Behold your King!” (v 14). To “behold” means to look, observe, and discern. He was appealing to the Jews to make the right choice about Jesus, though he himself lacked the courage to do so. The Jews were demanding a death sentence, and if Pilate fails to deliver, he fears a riot could erupt that might cost him his job. The governor knows that Jesus is not guilty, so he hopes that a flogging will satisfy this bloodthirsty mob. Not content with physical abuse, the soldiers brutally mock Him. The whole idea is to make this “king” look like a ridiculous court jester (v 1-3). Dressed in costume, He is taken outdoors where the Jews await. “Behold the man!” Pilate announces. The people should have looked at Jesus and said, “Yes, here is the perfect Man, man as God intended him to be. Here is the second Adam with no fault in him; this is the unblemished image of God!” Instead they shout, “Away with Him, crucify Him!” The sight of His bruised and bleeding body had merely whet their sadistic appetites. Unable to persuade Pilate that Jesus was a political threat, the Jews finally reveal their true concern: Jesus has called Himself the Son of God, making Himself equal with God. In their book, this is blasphemy, and Jesus deserves to die (v 4-7). Pilate is terrified by the thought that Jesus might be more than a mere man. But Jesus is done talking to him. He is not intimidated by Pilate’s power, insisting that both he and Caiaphas will be held accountable for their actions. Despised and rejected, Jesus is finally delivered up to be crucified (v 8-16). After bearing His own cross, Christ is lifted up to die between two criminals. Without even realizing it, Pilate posts a gospel message over His cross. Soldiers unwittingly fulfill Scripture by gambling for His garments. And Jesus tenderly cares for the needs of His heart-broken mother (v 19-27). For further meditation: