Behold the Man

My candidate for the most cowardly man in the New Testament is Pontius Pilate—the Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus and consigned Him to crucifixion. Here was a man who held Roman power over life and death, and yet could not judge righteous judgment. Here was a man who compromised in the face of truth. Here was a man who appeased the Jewish leaders when he knew they falsely accused Jesus. Pilate uttered the famous words, “Behold the man!”, not fully understanding the deepest meaning of his statement.

The Gospel of John records: “Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, ‘Behold the Man!’ Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, ‘Crucify Him, crucify Him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.’ The Jews answered him, ‘We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.’ Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid” (John 19:5-8).

The New Testament Passover was observed around the world last night. Thousands of Christians gathered to focus on the suffering and death of Jesus of Nazareth. Prior to the service is a period of self-reflection and examination. We are told not to take the symbols of the bread and wine in an unworthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27-28). In a culture that glorifies the individual, this practice of self-examination has a different end. We are to measure ourselves against the Man, Jesus. The Man who stood before Pilate had a bloody crown of thorns on His head and wore a purple robe—both meant to mock His role as King. John describes a pitiful sight. Yet it contains the focus of our examination.

Jesus Christ personified truth in His life and words. His walk on earth was truth. Jesus bore witness of the truth. We have no greater truth to examine than His words and life.

In a world of deceit and false information, the words “Behold the Man” challenge us to look on Jesus at this moment of ignominy and learn the cost of following God’s truth in this world.

Pilate’s cowardly example teaches us that when confronted with truth we cannot abstain or appease. Pilate appeased the Jewish elders. He abstained by saying he found no fault with Jesus yet turned him over to be killed.

Truth compels us to conviction and demands a commitment.

To “Behold the Man” can give us courage to act on truth and not cower to hollow authorities seeking to drag the world into a dark abyss of evil.

To “Behold the Man” is the challenge we all need at this critical moment. Our world is entering a dark age of deceit and confusion.

Only those with a deep love of truth will have the light to guide the way forward.

Here is a challenging passage to read from our study guide, Jesus Christ the Real Story, titled “Much More Than a Man.”.

Until next time,