Self-Interest
“Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied. When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.” (Matthew 27:11-14)
When Jesus stands trial before Pilate, as recorded in Matthew 27:11-26, His selflessness stands in stark contrast to everyone else around Him. This scripture tells us that Pilate knows Jesus is innocent, and that the Jewish leaders have handed Him over out of self-interest. Yet, Pilate plays along with their plans. Why?
I don’t think Pilate cared much at all what happened to Jesus. A middle-aged Jewish man from the working class would have been completely expendable to someone like Pilate. Thus, the fact that Pilate initially seems to be on Jesus’s side probably has more to do with Pilate’s desire to thwart the Jewish leaders than anything else. It’s in Pilate’s self-interest to limit the authority and power of the Jewish leaders whenever possible. But it is a delicate balancing act, because Pilate needs their help to maintain order in the region. With his job security tied to his relationship with the religious leaders, Pilate can only push them so far. Which explains why he ultimately gives in to their demands, when tensions begin to escalate in the crowd.
And ,speaking of the crowd, it appears that they are also acting in self-interest. Jesus has failed to live up to their expectations of who the Messiah would be. The people in the crowd want someone who will lead them to political victory and freedom in the here and now. They’re not interested in Jesus’s spiritual battle against sin and death. So, given the choice between this Jesus of Nazareth who refuses to rise up against the Romans and the known insurrectionist and murderer, Jesus Barabbas, the crowd’s choice is clear. “Release Barabbas to us!” (Luke 23:18).
Matthew records an extra detail in his version of the story. A brief appearance by Pilate’s wife, who comes onto the scene in order to warn her husband, “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” (Matthew 27:19). On first glance it seems that Pilate’s wife might be one person acting with compassion and demanding justice. But, then again, she might simply be trying to prevent any future nightmares.
Which leaves Jesus, standing alone in choosing sacrifice over self-interest.
Pilate asks Him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (Matthew 27:11). All along Jesus has tried to keep His identity quiet. He often asked the people that he healed not to tell anyone about what He had done. When they couldn’t help themselves and the news spread about Him and crowds of people gathered, Jesus packed up and moved on to a new place. But now, finally, when it would most benefit Him to keep silent, Jesus agrees with Pilate’s words, “You have said so.” Then He remains silent in the face of the many accusations the religious leaders level against Him.
Jesus chooses selfless sacrifice on our behalf.
