Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Monday, April 7, 2014 Read John 19:8-12 The sixth scene takes place once more inside of Pilate’s headquarters. John tells us that upon hearing that Jesus had claimed to be the Son of God, Pilate is “more afraid than ever.” Was Pilate really afraid? I’ve been arguing that Pilate was not one bit interested in truth or justice. That is the picture of Pilate that every other piece of information from the ancient world would have us believe. So, why would John tell us that Pilate was now afraid? Perhaps the best reason is that picturing even Pilate as filled with fear only serves to magnify the dignity of Jesus and to make it clear that Jesus is still in control of his fate. Remember that is one of the things John has made clear to his readers – no one takes Jesus’ life from him, he will lay it down on his own accord. Even the sinister, cruel and evil Pilate is not really in control here. Or, maybe Pilate was really afraid that Jesus might be the real thing. This one statement of John does not fit the picture we have been painting of Pilate nor does it fit the rest of history regarding Pilate. Maybe we will never know exactly what was going on inside of Pilate’s mind. Inside the headquarters there is more talk between Pilate and Jesus – and once again the dialogue serves to lift up some of John’s important themes. Pilate asks the only question worth asking when it comes to Jesus – “Where are you from?” Strikingly, John now tells us Jesus makes no answer. This is the way in which the synoptic writers have portrayed Jesus all along. Is John aware of that tradition too? Where is Jesus from? Readers of John’s gospel know well by now that Jesus is from above. But Jesus has already said as much to Pilate earlier when he said, “My kingdom is not of this world,” and Pilate would not listen. Now Jesus only reminds Pilate who is really in control of things. Jesus remains in control – another of John’s themes. John tells us now that Pilate tried again to set Jesus free. But now it is the Jewish leaders who remind Pilate that if he does not condemn Jesus they will report him to the emperor. They know how to use political power too.