take 2: december 6th – inside out

Continued from yesterday…

It’s now mid-morning on Monday.  It was my turn to clean up today, so instead of going back to my cell after breakfast, David and I stayed out in the day room.  The only perk with with cleaning is that we then, after the work is completed, get to control the TV.  I put it on CMT and retrieved my Bible.  It was nice to be able to study with the faint sound of country music in the background.  The only bump in the road is that David wanted to talk.  Always does.  His girlfriend named him “ratchet jaw,” which fits him perfectly.  He knows he talks to much, but that is just his personality.  Whatever is on his mind comes out of his mouth.

So I pressed on with my Bible reading nonetheless.  I’m still in John, reading chapter 19 where Jesus appears before Pilate and then was ultimately given over to be crucified.  As I read it, and reread it, I started to wonder about Pilate.  His interactions with Christ, even to the point of being “frightened.” (v. 8)  I also believe that Pilate tried, although feably, to release Jesus several times because of the questions he may have had as to who Jesus really was.  Pilate may have even started to believe that Jesus was who he said he was and that he was here on earth to fulfill a higher purpose. (v. 37-38)  Pilate, then, stuck between his duty and the pestering questions of Christ’s identity and purpose, succumbed to the weakness of his character.  But after handing over Christ to be crucified, then did several things, or actions that I think go beyond a mere desire to clear his conscience and asuage his feelings of guilt for having sentenced Jesus to death.  Verse 19 says:

And Pilate posted a sign that read “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”  The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek so that so many people could read it.  Why would he do that?  And why in three languages?  Why post any sign at all?  And when the leading priests wanted him to alter the sign to read, “He said, I am the king of the Jews.”  Pilate refused.  He said:

What I have written, I have written.  It stays exactly as it is. (v. 22)

Was Pilate lazy and therefore didn’t want to make the change?  Maybe.  Was he so frustrated with the proceedings that he didn’t want to accomodate even one more request?  Possibly.  But I really think Jesus affected him.  How could he not be?  He stood face to face with the Son of Man, the Word, the Creator.  And when Pilate realized it at that time, he was helping to spread the Gospel.  The sign posted and written in three languages had its effect.

But the other criminal protested, ‘Don’t you fear God even when you are dying?’  Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kindgom.” Luke 23:40-42

And I’m quite certain that the thief on the cross was not the only convert that day.  And so I wonder about Pilate.  Could he have realized the gravity of his deed and subsequently hit his knees in a prayer of repentance?  And could he have, from that point forward, secretly tried to find out more about this mysterious man from Nazareth?  So the question I am pondering is this – will we see Pilate in heaven?  Wouldn’t that be a trip?  I’m sure we’ll see some people there that will surprise us.  But I think the biggest surprise will be the ones who don’t make it.  Those that looked the part, talked like a Christian, but hadn’t embraced the truth.  So many people think they have it figured out, thinking they know the way.  But when they are confronted by their own iniquity, they are forced, like Pilate was, to reach out for the real answer.

Jesus said ‘I was born for that purpose.  And I came to bring truth to the world.  All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.’  ‘What is truth?’ Pilate asked.

How fitting.  How inronic.  The very life that was being sent the truth was snuffed out by someone who was longing for the truth.

I would love to know your thoughts on this.  I can’t wait until we are able to discuss Scripture together, daily.  You are so much smarter that I, and I would greatly benefit from your insights.  I am excited about the thought of it.

I’ll write more later.  Your presence in my daily life is missed on so many different levels.  I long to be where you are.

I love you, Scott

Related Letters