When the Verdict and the Truth Collide

 Pilate knows the truth of Jesus' innocence. He has stated it three times. Yet when he issues the verdict, it is for the crucifixion of Jesus. The irony is staggering. The very word "verdict" means "to speak the truth". 

I'm not exactly sure how to describe Pilate. He's often depicted as ruthless. He feels more like a puppet. He's that person always concerned about what others think. In this case, he must satisfy Caesar. He must satisfy the Jewish elite. His wife is whispering in his ear things concerning the nature of his decision. The one thing he is not attempting to satisfy is his own conscience. Pilate clearly does not see the reason to crucify Jesus from the perspective of the Roman Law. But when it comes down to making a conscious decision on his own versus satisfying the angry mob, he lets them decide and thinks by doing so, he has absolved himself of the guilt associated with the decision. He's that guy in the room who throws up his hands in frustration, screaming, "It's out of my hands!" ... all the while, he's the one giving the order.

Notes for Truth and Verdict Collide

Episode Link:

https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/when-the-verdict-and-the-truth-collide/