Page 57 - laten-08-06-2020

Pontius Pilate

xxxxxx

xxxxxxxx
Introduction

ross of Christ continues to be the sign of hope in the present
Cday context. Majority exercise authority over the minority
threatening the livelihood of the people of the land. In this
context, encountering our struggles with the cross, and the
experience of hope that we experience in the process of cross
in our life, is very challenging and meaningful.In the passion
narrative of Jesus basically the church has understood that
many characters including Pilate involved in the crucification of
Jesus. Mathew 27:1-2 and 15-26 depicts about the trial of Jesus
under Pilate and also the real nature, character and morality of
Pilate, the Roman Governor. Pilate was appointed procurator
of Judea in AD 26 by the Roman Empire. In Luke 13:1, ‘The
Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices’,
depict him as a ruthless ruler who was also strongly anti-Jewish.
He was very powerful emperor in the Roman Empire to enquire
crimes against nation and its rulers and had the authority to
give punishment such as crucifixion.

Messianic Morality
Jesus’ trial took place outside the Governor’s residence.
Since Pilate had the sole authority to decide such cases according
to its merits Jesus was handed over to him (Mat.27:1-2). If we
critically look at the text the trial shows that he was manipulated
by others and in the end renounced his responsibility in favour of
the Jewish leaders. It was they who called the tune and accepted
the ultimate responsibility.On the other hand the text points out
how Pilate has encountered and experienced the cross through
the theological question that he asked Jesus, “Are you the king

51
Lenten Meditations Re - Imaging People