"None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they
had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (1 Corinthians 2:8, New Revised Standard Version).
The Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, faced a difficult situation
when Jesus was brought before him. Apprehensively, he attempted to dismiss
the picture that was emerging in front of him. When Pilate heard the
accusation, it struck fear into his heart. "He has claimed to be
the Son of God" (John 19:7, NRSV).
Pilate's next question betrayed his fear that he was not dealing with
an ordinary man. He had just been given a message from his wife, who
received a warning in a dream not to have anything to do with this innocent
man (Matthew 27:19). Pilate himself knew that Jesus had been delivered
to him because the chief priests were jealous of and despised Him (verse 18). Yet Pilate couldn't avoid his date with destiny.
He next asked Jesus, "Where are You from?" (John 19:9). Pilate already
knew He was Galilean. But what geographical area this Jewish teacher
came from was not the question. Where are you really from is
what Pilate wanted to know. Jesus was silent. His claim to be the Son
of God had already answered this question. But Pilate did not have the
courage to deal with this answer.
