Pilate deduced Jesus was not a threat to the Romans. “I find no basis for a charge against this man,” he told the accusers. Jesus’ teachings were no threat to the Roman Empire. The fact that many followed a Jewish Rabbi did not violate Roman law. Nor did it indicate that he was inciting a rebellion.
An accusation was made. Pilate examined the accused. His reply to Pilate proved sufficient to demonstrate that Jesus was innocent of any crime against Roman law. The accused did not answer to anything the religious leaders were saying (Matthew 15:4-5; Mark 27:12-14). Thus, the accused revealed their hearts to Pilate (Mark 15:5). Pilate deduced the real reason Jesus was being accused (Matthew 27:12-14). The religious leaders were jealous and afraid they would lose their position (Matthew 27:18; Acts 17:5).
At this point, Pilate should have, by law and ethics, released Jesus. Yet, he did not. Why? He was more interested in persuading the religious leaders that Jesus was innocent. When that was not working, he still kept Jesus in custody. Why? What is this sin of selfish injustice?
Pilate is not the only person who knows someone is innocent and yet keeps them in custody with the threat of punishment and even death. Pilate is not the only person who lets another suffer and be persecuted for no righteous reason.
Matthew Henry, a famous British minister and Bible commentator in the late 15th and early 16th century, wrote, “He proposes to release him, if they will but consent to it. He ought to have done it without asking leave of them, ‘Let justice have its course, though the heavens should be desolated’. But the fear of man brings many into this snare, that, whereas justice should take place, though heaven and earth come together, they will do an unjust thing, against their consciences, rather than pull an old house about their ears. Pilate declares him innocent, and therefore has a mind to release him; yet, to please the people, he does not.” Will I sacrifice another so I will be accepted by another? Do I drink political poison?
